The New Caledonian Football Federation (FCF) is set to write a new chapter in its history. On 7 September, Les Filles Cagous will make their debut at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ in Poland. This is the first time New Caledonia has qualified for a FIFA women’s global tournament at any age level.

This landmark moment reflects far more than a single qualifying campaign. It is the result of sustained efforts to develop football across New Caledonia, supported by FIFA through its programmes and initiatives.

Central to that progress has been the FCF Academy, comprising a women’s section launched in 2019 and a men’s in 2022, with support from FIFA and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), it was designed to bring together the country’s most promising young players, identified from the age of 13, through a scouting programme, and give them opportunities such as overseas training camps. That drive was reinforced later the same year by the introduction of FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme.

The academy has become an important pathway for New Caledonia’s national teams, supplying players to the men’s side that made its FIFA competition debut at the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017™, returning to the same stage in 2023 before the country’s first FIFA U-20 World Cup™ appearance in Chile in 2025. It is now serving a similar purpose for the young women who will represent New Caledonia in Poland.

“The Talent Development Scheme is undoubtedly one of the most significant FIFA-supported programmes in New Caledonia. Thanks to the vision of President Gianni Infantino and [Chief of Global Football Development] Arsène Wenger, it gives young talents around the world equal opportunities to develop, regardless of their background or the size of their association,” said FCF President Steeve Laigle.

“With FIFA’s expertise and support, we have strengthened talent identification, our academies, our competitions and our national teams. The programme has helped deliver historic results, including our first qualification for a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, while giving more young people the chance to fulfil their potential.”

Julia Honakoko is one such player. A product of the academy, the young forward embodies the pathway the FCF has built. Last April, she became the first New Caledonian player to score against a team from outside Oceania, finding the net against Indonesia during the FIFA Series.

“The biggest lesson I learned at the academy is that talent can open a door, but only hard work, discipline and consistency allow you to remain at the highest level,” she explained. “I also learned that you never improve alone. A player may have great qualities, but she needs teammates, educators, coaches, officials, her family and everyone who makes football possible. Football is a team sport on the pitch, and it is one off it too.”

That collective mindset also shapes the work of the FCF and FIFA. “Through targeted initiatives to identify potential across the territory, FIFA helps us identify and support our young talents. This grassroots work is the real launchpad for our youth national teams, preparing the future leaders of our football with rigour,” added Laigle.

Through the FIFA Forward Programme, that progress extends beyond talent identification and player development. It is underpinned by stronger infrastructure and more competitive domestic competitions. The FCF Academy has been renovated to provide facilities suited to training, competition, and the development of both players and staff. FIFA Forward funding has also strengthened national football and futsal competitions across men’s, women’s and youth categories, while supporting national-team activities and overseas travel.

FIFA’s backing has also reinforced the administrative foundations of the game in New Caledonia. Through FIFA Forward, the FCF was able to build its new headquarters, bringing its operations together and strengthening oversight of football development across the territory. Inaugurated by President Gianni Infantino during his visit to New Caledonia in August 2023, the building also reflects FIFA’s desire to put firm structures in place at every level.

Laigle captured that long-term vision. “Thanks to FIFA’s strategic and financial support, we are building the future of the New Caledonian Football Federation step by step, from our tribal grounds and neighbourhood pitches through to our national teams and international competitions.”

For the FCF, the focus now is on turning these milestones into lasting momentum. “The New Caledonian Football Federation has an extraordinary pool of talent. With FIFA’s continued support and the commitment of our educators, volunteers and officials, we are continuing to build a growing, inclusive and ambitious football association,” concluded the FCF President.