Anna 
Former Wellington Phoenix forward Jaushua Sotirio has been named in New Caledonia’s squad for Friday’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ Oceania Qualifier against Tahiti in Wellington.
The 29-year-old, who now plays for Sydney FC in the Men’s A-League, previously spent three seasons at Wellington’s Sky Stadium with the Phoenix from 2019 to 2022.
New Caledonia’s head coach, Johan Sidaner, has finalized a 23-man squad for the upcoming match. More than half of the team’s players compete outside New Caledonia, with many playing in France.
Meanwhile, Tahiti’s coach, Sam Garcia, has made two changes to the squad that featured in November’s group-stage matches in Hamilton and Auckland. AS Venus midfielder Mana Teniau replaces Louis Gitton, while AS Pirae defender Taumihau Tiatia comes in for Alvin Tehau, who is unavailable due to work commitments in France.
The Tahitian squad arrived in Auckland in time to watch Auckland FC’s Men’s A-League match against Central Coast Mariners at Go Media Stadium. They are set to travel to Wellington tomorrow.
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