The Fiji Bula Boys have created history after being crowned MSG Prime Minister’s Cup 2026 champions, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over defending champions Vanuatu at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Thomas Dunn proved to be Fiji’s hero, scoring the only goal of the final in the 10th minute to send the home crowd into celebration.
Dunn found space in the attacking third before finding the back of the net to give Fiji an early advantage.
Vanuatu responded strongly and applied sustained pressure as they searched for an equaliser, but the Bula Boys remained disciplined and determined in defence.
The physical nature of the contest saw several players cautioned, with Tevita Waranaivalu, Sterling Vasconcellos and Dunn receiving yellow cards for Fiji during the opening half.
Vanuatu coach Richard Iwai introduced Kathy Iamak and Nshili Ehnarua at the start of the second half as the defending champions pushed forward in search of a way back into the contest.
The visitors continued to threaten, but Fiji goalkeeper Isikeli Sevanaia Junior and his defensive unit stood firm.
Bula Boys head coach Stephane Auvray also turned to his bench in the closing stages, introducing Sitiveni Cavuilagi, Abdullah Khairati, Isimeli Gavidi and Gabiriele Matanisiga.
Fiji then successfully negotiated six minutes of added time before the final whistle sparked celebrations among the players, officials and home supporters.
The victory marked a significant moment in Fiji football history.
Fiji enjoyed considerable success when the competition was previously played as the Melanesia Cup, winning five of the seven editions staged between 1988 and 2000.
However, Fiji had not lifted the regional trophy since 2000.
The Bula Boys’ victory in Suva secured Fiji’s first title under the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup format and took the country’s overall tally to six titles.
Dunn’s memorable tournament was further rewarded when he was named the Men’s Golden Ball Award winner.
Sevanaia Junior received the Men’s Golden Glove Award after another impressive performance between the posts, including a clean sheet in the final.
Solomon Islands forwards Raphael Lea’i and Javin Wae, together with Vanuatu captain Tony Kaltack, shared the Men’s Golden Boot Award after finishing with three goals each.
New Caledonia received the Men’s Fair Play Award.
Earlier in the day, Vanuatu were crowned women’s champions after defeating Papua New Guinea 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Amelia Reddy received the Women’s Golden Glove Award, while Papua New Guinea’s Keren Lalapai claimed the Women’s Golden Boot after finishing the tournament with seven goals.
Vanuatu’s Kelly Kaltack was named the Women’s Golden Ball recipient.
The tournament concluded with the official handover of hosting rights for the 2027 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup to Vanuatu.
Fiji’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, handed the hosting baton to Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat during the closing ceremony at HFC Bank Stadium.
For the Bula Boys, the triumph ended a 26-year wait for regional glory and delivered a memorable championship on home soil.
