Vanuatu’s national head coach, Richard Iwai, has finalised his 20-man squad for the upcoming 2025 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, to be held in Papua New Guinea later this month.

The announcement was made this week in Port Vila, confirming a mix of experienced and young talents ready to represent the country on the regional stage. The squad includes eight players from iCount Yatel FC, four from Tafea FC, two each from Mauriki FC and Naka FC, one from Erakor Golden Star FC, one from Tupuji Imere FC, and two from Galaxy FC.

Coach Iwai said he believes the team has the right balance of energy and determination to deliver strong performances in Port Moresby. “The players are young and eager, and I have confidence that they will make the country proud in this upcoming tournament,” he said.

The national team, accompanied by five officials, will depart Vanuatu this Sunday for Port Moresby. The 2025 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup marks the fourth edition of the regional football championship, featuring teams from across Melanesia, including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu. PNG Development Team will also take part in this year’s competition.

The tournament will run from 10 to 22 November 2025, with Papua New Guinea hosting as the defending champions after winning the previous edition in Solomon Islands. So far, PNG has claimed the title twice, while Solomon Islands have won once.

This year’s event will also mark a historic milestone with the introduction of the inaugural Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, where Vanuatu’s women’s national team will compete for the first time alongside their Melanesian counterparts.

Both Vanuatu teams are expected to showcase the nation’s growing football talent and continue building momentum in regional competitions.