24/09/2026
The News Of Oceania Football Update
The 2026 FMF Inter-District Championship is set to create history with the Kiribati national team joining the competition for the first time.
Fiji Football Association chief executive officer
Mohammed Yusuf confirmed the historic inclusion during the official pool draws, saying Kiribati would compete in the Premier Division.
"This year is going to be a historical occasion as we are inviting our neighbouring country for the first time ever in the competition history to be part of IDC,"
Yusuf said.
"We have invited the Kiribati national team to come and play in the Premier level."
Another new feature will see the Fiji under-17 national team compete in the same division as part of its preparations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Yusuf said exposing the youngsters to senior competition would form an important part of their preparations.
"We are also including the Fijian under-17 team that is in camp training to go to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup," he said.
"It is giving exposure to the young players, where they will be exposed to a lot of people and a high level of competition."
The tournament will be contested across three divisions — Super Premier, Premier and Senior.
Yusuf said Fiji FA was pleased with its continuing partnership with FMF Group of Companies, which is in the third year of a five-year sponsorship agreement.
He said last year's IDC at Govind Park in Ba attracted about 45,000 spectators over five days, including 14,300 on the final day.
He expects another strong tournament this year with the country's leading districts battling for honours.
"We expect this year, with so much rivalry among the Fiji FA top districts, that we want to showcase one of the best FMF IDC competitions," Yusuf said.
He also acknowledged FMF for its contribution to football and other community initiatives.
"FMF not only sponsors in putting the money in football. They do various other events where they involve the community and create opportunities for the youths."
Yusuf urged supporters to purchase their tickets early through the tournament's online ticketing platform to avoid a last-minute rush.
He added that matches would also be available through a pay-per-view broadcast service for supporters unable to attend the tournament.
The FMF IDC will be played from October 6-11 at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Photo Credit & Source: Fiji Football Association
