New Caledonia will go down in the history books next week when they make their debut at the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ in Chile. Pierre Wajoka’s team qualified in July 2024 after an impressive campaign in the Oceania preliminaries and now face an almighty challenge in a daunting Group E, where they will come up against South Africa, USA and France.
Leading the charge for this young squad is Jytrhim Upa, who has emerged as one of the their key players. Still only 18, this modern midfielder already has a wealth of experience under his belt, having played in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023™.
“His technique is better than that of the average player,” explained his coach. “He has fantastic vision, which allows him to make quick decisions, even under pressure. He’s a great team player, both in his playing style and his attitude. I can rely on him, and so can the team.”
Realistic yet ambitious, the youngster, who plies his trade for local club AS Tiga Sport, is heading into this tournament determined to improve on his performance at those U17 finals, when New Caledonia suffered three heavy defeats at the hands of England , Brazil and IR Iran.
The midfielder spoke with FIFA and shared his thoughts on the team’s unique build-up to the tournament, his memories of Indonesia, and their objectives as they look to write another chapter in their history.
Jytrhim Upa: It’s all gone well. After a year without a league back home, we had to adapt, but the New Caledonian Super League has been up and running again since mid-May. Our top priority this year is the World Cup in Chile. We train twice a week with the national team and spend the rest of the time with our clubs. Last month, we had a one-week training camp. We had planned to hold it abroad, but ended up staying at home. We’ll all get together on 15 September and get ready for the competition.
First of all, it’s a dream come true to play in a World Cup! I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. As amateur players, it was a huge deal for us. It was a five-star experience. Being chaperoned wherever we went and playing in packed stadiums on excellent pitches was something really special for us.
It was a pity because we never showed our true potential. We played with a very defensive low block. For the last match against Iran, a game we lost 5-0, we tried to open up, play our own game and avoid just defending. Despite the defeat, we saw that it could pay off. It was the first time we had so many chances. Hopefully, with this new squad, this new national set-up, we’ll play our own game. We know we can do great things in possession. But if we’re under too much pressure, it won’t be easy to show it.
Yes, of course. The English player [Myles] Lewis-Skelly and the Brazilian Estevao stood out the most. They are both exceptional talents. It was a real privilege and a pleasure to play against them when they were at U-17 level, and now to see them, just two years later, in the first team at Arsenal and Chelsea.
After Nolhann [Alebate] was sent off against England, I took the armband. It will be different this year. Where I come from, there’s a lot of respect for those older than you. The squad heading to Chile has an older group of players who were born in 2005. Even though I’m younger, I still have it in me. I’ve always been a leader, both on and off the pitch. I’ve already taken part in several meetings. There’s a lot I’ve learned from the older players, who have set a good example. They’ve helped me and I can draw on that knowledge now.
That’s right, it’s almost a group of death. Anyway, it’s difficult to say because the World Cup will bring together all the major footballing nations. As the underdogs, we will be going up against players who are already playing professionally. For example, [Senny] Mayulu from Paris Saint-Germain will be there. Our main objective will be to get a draw against one of these nations and pick up at least one point. We’re aware that reaching the Round of 16 will be extremely difficult, but you never know. If we can bring home at least one point from our first appearance, we’ll have had a successful tournament.
Photo credit: The New Caledonia Football Association
