In just a matter of weeks, New Caledonian football could experience one of its greatest ever moments. Johann Sidaner’s men stand only two matches away from a historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. To qualify, they must first defeat Jamaica and then DR Congo at the FIFA Play-off Tournament, staged in Mexico from 26 to 31 March. It will be a tough ask for the New Caledonia side. They will need to overcome two nations that are firmly established on the international stage, while their own squad is composed largely of amateur players.
To understand how the team are preparing for this decisive test, FIFA spoke with three internationals whose paths reflect the diversity within the squad: Morgan Mathelon, Fonzy Ranchain and Germain Haewegene. Despite being scattered across different islands and continents, and facing various challenges – from a suspended domestic league to playing in mainland France and the newly formed OFC Pro League – they are all united by one common goal.
Having never previously left his home island, Haewegene took a major step in January by signing his first professional contract with Tahiti United in the newly launched OFC Pro League. Since the competition’s inaugural season kicked off in 2026, the forward has embraced the challenge. “The level is high, especially with Auckland FC. We played them and lost 4-0, but we knew the defeat came from our own individual mistakes and we learned a lot,” he said.
Back on “Le Caillou”, as New Caledonia is affectionately known, the situation has been very different. “We haven’t had an official match on the island since September as the league was suspended following nationwide events (large-scale riots took place in 2024, plunging the country into crisis),” explained Mathelon, who plays for AS Tiga Sports while also working as a physical education teacher. Although friendly matches have been organised between clubs, the players are feeling the impact of the lack of regular competition. “For the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking about the play-offs every day. We know why we train, but it’s not easy without competition and without seeing the boys regularly.”
Ranchain chose another route to pursue his football, moving to mainland France to join USSA Vertou in the fifth tier of French football in order to improve his game ahead of March’s decisive fixtures. “I had to adapt to the climate, but I was welcomed very well. Playing here allows me to regularly compete at a high level, and I hope I can bring that experience back to the group.”
The squad’s focus is now firmly fixed on the next obstacle between them and the World Cup: Jamaica. A side accustomed to international competition and boasting players from a number of competitive professional leagues, the Reggae Boyz present a daunting test.
“On paper, they’re superior to us,” admitted Mathelon. “We’ll have to be extremely well organised when we don’t have the ball and work hard for each other. And when we do have the ball, we need to play our football without putting pressure on ourselves.” The experienced midfielder knows that in matches of this magnitude, a small amount of luck can go a long way in helping the underdogs to come out on top.
Haewegene has already begun his tactical preparations for the play-offs, watching several Jamaica matches at the request of the coaching staff. “They’re a great team, very solid and compact. We’ll need patience, especially as attackers. Our chances will be limited.” The assessment is realistic, but not defeatist. “If we want to create something special, we’ll have to give everything we have.”
Ranchain shares that pragmatic approach. “They’re very physical and very fast,” the defender noted, while stressing the importance of focusing on their own preparation. “We’re working more on ourselves than on the opponent. We want to be mentally and physically ready, no matter who we face.”
Should New Caledonia overcome Jamaica, DR Congo would await – and beyond that, bigger matches beckon. As the tournament draws closer, the dream feels all the more within reach. Mathelon shared his excitement at the prospect of facing players who compete at the highest levels in Europe. “I don’t know all their names, but I’ve seen that some Congolese players are in Serie A. It’s incredible to think we might face players we usually watch on TV.”
Ranchain also allows himself to think ahead. “If we qualify, we’d be in Portugal’s group. It would be incredible to see those great players. Cristiano Ronaldo… he’s older now, but he’s still there! There are so many top players in that team. But first, we have to get through the play-offs before we can dream bigger.”
In the coming weeks, the squad are expected to reunite in Guadalajara for the final stretch of preparation. But even while they are apart, their bond has never wavered. Across time zones and continents, daily messages, videos and words of encouragement on their WhatsApp group keep the spirit alive. “We’re not just team-mates,” Ranchain said. “We’ve known each other for a long time. We’re like a family.”
Les Cagous will not travel to North America as tourists. They go with ambition, and the hope of returning in June to represent their island, their communities and their families at the FIFA World Cup™ itself, and to write a chapter that, only a few years ago, few would have dared to dream about.
