Vanuatu United FC

Vanuatu United FC
Full nameVanuatu United Football Club
NicknameThe Chiefs
Founded2025 (2025)
OwnerVanuatu Football Federation
General ManagerChristian Happel
Head coachLars Hopp
LeagueOFC Professional League
2026TBD

Vanuatu United Football Club, commonly known as Vanuatu United is a men's professional association football club based in Vanuatu which plans to compete in the OFC Professional League (OFCPL). Vanuatu United is also one of the eight founding clubs competing in the inaugural 2026 season.

History

Vanuatu FC was selected in August 2025 as one of the OFC Professional League's (OFCPL) eight charter clubs.[1][2][3] The club plans to commence play in the league's inaugural 2026 season.[4] On 11 September, the club was officially renamed to Vanuatu United FC stating that the name better reflects the clubs ambition to unite all football fans across the country. [5]

Players

First team squad

As of 16 December 2025

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
GK  AUS Matt Acton
GK  VAN Kaloran Firiam
DF  VAN Andrew Toungon
DF  VAN Kerry Iawak
DF  VAN Michel Coulon
DF  VAN Raoul Coulon
DF  PNG Raymond Diho
DF  VAN Nicolas King
DF  AUS Hassan Ramazani
DF  VAN Edward Roqara
DF  VAN Jason Thomas
No. Pos. Nation Player
MF  VAN Kalfter Kaltack
MF  NZL Owen Smith
MF  VAN Robea Haruel
MF  USA William Cardona
FW  NZL Otto Ingham
FW  VAN Alex Saniel
FW  VAN Azariah Soromon
FW  VAN Jordy Tasip
FW  VAN Kathy Iamak
FW  VAN Luka Tioni

Club officials

Technical Officials

Position Name Ref.
Head Coach Lars Hopp [6]

Management

Position Name Ref.
General Manager Christian Happel [7]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Auckland and Christchuch to enter OFC Professional League". Radio New Zealand. 29 August 2025. Archived from the original on 29 August 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  2. ^ Duerden, John (30 August 2025). "New Oceania soccer competition hopes to raise level of the sport in the Pacific region". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 30 August 2025. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  3. ^ Agence France-Presse (29 August 2025). "Clubs picked for 'historic' first Oceania pro football league". Yahoo Sports. Archived from the original on 29 August 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
  4. ^ Hinge, Keith (28 August 2025). "OFC Confirms Vanuatu FC Among Eight Clubs for First-Ever Professional League". Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC). Archived from the original on 30 August 2025. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  5. ^ "Vanuatu FC Renamed "Vanuatu United FC" to Represent the Whole Nation". vff.vu. Vanuatu Football Federation. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  6. ^ "Lars Hopp Appointed as Head Coach of Vanuatu United FC". Vanuatu Football Federation. 17 October 2025. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  7. ^ "Vanuatu FC Joins OFC Pro League: Christian Happel Leads Nation's First Pro Club". Vanuatu Football Federation. 4 September 2025. Retrieved 4 September 2025.