Cook Islands men’s football team hosts Tahiti in first home matches since 1998

The Cook Islands senior men’s national football team is set to host Tahiti for two international matches at the CIFA Complex in Rarotonga. This event marks the team’s first home international matches in 28 years, with the last such occurrence taking place in 1998 during the Polynesian Cup.

The matches signal a new era for the squad under head coach Rhys Ruka, who has signed a two-year contract through 2028. Ruka, who previously led the women’s national team, noted the need for realism given the team's recent record and the strength of the Tahitian side, which is currently ranked 29 places higher in the FIFA Rankings.

The first match is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, followed by a second match on Wednesday, September 30.