The Cook Islands U16 Women’s National Team is ready to compete against top talent from Papua New Guinea and American Samoa on their home ground for the OFC U16 Women’s Championship 2025.

The 21 Cook Islands U16 Women’s National Team are: Leah Schuster, Metuamaru Arere, Tetianui Pitomaki, Hefraini Nasimullu, Juhani Mustonen, Ngatupuna Teio, Tehanarei Nga, Leandra Piniata, Teniva Tauu, Kivana Arere, Michaela Tangatakino, Parekura Philip, Vaihere Mitchell, Hono-kura Miria, Tangi Tangapiri, Nerys Fish, Mamia Piri-Savage, Margaret Moetaua, Leilani Kamoe, Ngamaanga Taripo, Moerai Ngametua.

Qualifying kicks off on Saturday April 26, with the three teams competing to determine who will advance to the championship in Samoa in August.

According to OFC Media, whoever does advance from qualifying will join Group B, alongside defending champions New Zealand, Tonga and the Solomon Islands.

Group A will feature hosts Samoa, New Caledonia, Fiji and Tahiti.

Not only is the trophy on the line in Samoa but also two places at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026, with the two finalists advancing to the tournament in Morocco next year.

Team PNG that arrived on Sunday will face Cook Islands at 3pm at Saturday’s kick off and will later face American Samoa on Tuesday, April 29. Cook Islands will face American Samoa on Friday, May 2.