New Caledonia captain Kamene Simane is determined to enjoy her country’s maiden appearance at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The Pacific island nation will face China PR, Spain and Nigeria in Group F, three nations with extensive experience at FIFA youth tournaments.
New Caledonia will begin their campaign against China in Sosnowiec on Monday, 7 September.
Simane Keen To Enjoy Poland
Simane said they want to to fully enjoy the adventure and gain experience.
“We are the first women’s team from New Caledonia to take part in this World Cup, and that alone is already a source of pride,” Simane told FIFA.com.
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“We want to represent our values with dignity. Our three opponents – China PR, Spain and Nigeria – are major countries playing at the highest level. We are ready to take on the challenge. We want to fully enjoy this adventure and gain experience. ”
On Facing Tough Teams
New Caledonia have little chance of making it out from their group going by the pedigree of the teams they will be facing.
Simane however believed that the solidarity, and determination in the team can help them make a positive impact.
“I would say our biggest strengths are team spirit, solidarity and the unity within the group. We all want to improve together and we play with a lot of determination,” she added.
“We learned certain values at the academy, and we want to show them in Poland. We will go in with great determination against the big teams we are going to face.”
Ready For The Big Test
Simane also said that they will try to compete physically against their opponents.
“It would mean never giving up, playing all three matches to the maximum and showing our fighting spirit. We know our opponents play at a very high level. Spain are among the elite and perhaps even favourites. We will try to compete physically. That is one of the main areas we are working on,” stated Simane.
By Adeboye Amosu
