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The Tiki Toa defeated the Solomon Islands 4-3 in a dramatic final in Pirae, becoming the most successful nation in the competition's history as the tournament celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Tahiti have been crowned champions of the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup 2026, securing their fifth continental title after overcoming the Solomon Islands 4-3 in a dramatic final at Aorai Tini Hau in Pirae.
The four-nation competition brought together Tahiti, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Vanuatu across four matchdays, marking 20 years since the tournament was first held in 2006.
The hosts delivered an impressive campaign, winning all four of their matches and scoring 41 goals while conceding just 11 on their way to retaining the crown.
Tiki Toa set the pace in the group stage
Tahiti began their title defence in emphatic fashion, defeating Vanuatu 18-1 on the opening matchday. Heirauarii Salem led the scoring with an outstanding seven-goal performance.
The Tiki Toa continued their winning run throughout the group stage, securing a place in their fourth consecutive final. Their 7-4 victory over the Solomon Islands proved to be the most competitive encounter of the opening phase.
The Bilikiki joined the hosts in the final after recording victories over New Caledonia (10-5) and Vanuatu (7-2), finishing second in the standings and setting up another meeting with their regional rivals.
Dramatic final delivers fifth title for Tahiti
Meeting in the final for the fourth consecutive edition and the fifth time overall, Tahiti and the Solomon Islands produced another closely contested encounter.
The Bilikiki made a promising start, with Max Fa’ari opening the scoring in the sixth minute. Tahiti responded to establish a 3-1 advantage, but the Solomon Islands fought back with two goals to take the contest into the final period level.
With the title still undecided, Rainui Tze-Yu emerged as the match-winner in the 34th minute, rising to meet a delivery with a decisive header past James Do’oro to seal a 4-3 victory.
The goal sparked emotional celebrations among the hosts and their supporters, as the Tiki Toa secured their fifth continental crown.
The triumph makes Tahiti the most successful nation in OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup history, moving ahead of the Solomon Islands in the competition’s all-time honours list.
Individual awards
Tahiti’s dominance was also reflected in the individual awards, with the hosts claiming three of the four distinctions.
Golden Ball – Heirauarii Salem
Salem was named the tournament’s best player after scoring 12 goals in four matches. Level with teammate Ro’onui Tinirauarii at the top of the scoring charts, he added the Golden Ball to the Golden Boot he collected at the 2024 edition.
His overhead-kick ability proved particularly difficult for opposition defences to contain throughout the competition.
Golden Boot – Ro’onui Tinirauarii
Also finishing with 12 goals, Tinirauarii shared the top spot in the scoring standings after finding the net in all four of Tahiti’s matches.
He scored hat-tricks in each of the three group-stage encounters before adding another goal in the final, converting a corner delivery at the back post. His tally now stands at 23 goals across three editions of the competition.
Golden Glove – Teave Teamotuaitau
The Tahiti goalkeeper retained the Golden Glove he won in 2024, playing an important role in the champions’ defensive record of just 11 goals conceded.
A representative of Tahiti United in the OFC Pro League, Teamotuaitau also made his mark at the opposite end of the pitch, scoring with a long-range free-kick in the final.
Fair Play Award – Vanuatu
Vanuatu received the Fair Play Award after recording the best disciplinary record of the tournament, with just one yellow card across their four matches.
With a fifth continental crown secured and another successful title defence completed, Tahiti once again confirmed their place at the summit of Oceania Beach Soccer.
