New Caledonia, currently 150th in the world rankings, has a chance to qualify for the World Cup.
The French overseas territory travels to Guadalajara this week, needing to overcome Jamaica and then DR Congo to secure a place at the World Cup.
Players Juggle Work and World Cup Dreams
Titouan Richard, who plays in the seventh tier of French football, is two games away from potentially playing in the World Cup. He plays for Salaise Rhodia in Régional 2.
Richard’s story is similar to others hidden in lower-tier grounds around France. He had been balancing training and matches with work and studies, previously working at Intermarché while studying communication. Richard is currently unemployed, putting his career on hold.
“It’s a good thing I don’t have a job at the moment,” he says.
César Zeoula, the New Caledonia captain, is one of the few contracted players. He plays in the fifth tier with US Chauvigny.
Logistical Challenges and Federation Support
Players gather in Paris before the federation flies them over for the 20,000km journey east.
According to Zeoula, travelling to the Métropole used to be more difficult due to the distance from family and flight prices. Now it is easier.
The federation has been encouraging its players to move to the mainland in recent years.
New Caledonia manager Johann Sidaner said that one of the objectives he was set was for players to move to the mainland.
Opportunity Knocks Thanks to Expanded Format
New Caledonia’s opportunity to qualify for the World Cup is due to the expanded format, which granted Oceania an automatic qualification place for the first time. New Zealand claimed it after overcoming a stubborn New Caledonia 3-0 last March.
Richard notes the difference between playing against professionals and balancing football with work. “When we play against New Zealand, they are all professionals,” Richard says. “It’s a different environment.”
- New Caledonia is ranked 150th in the world.
- They must overcome Jamaica and DR Congo to reach the World Cup.
- The expanded World Cup format gave Oceania an automatic qualification place.
Some players have had to take unpaid leave to represent the national team. “Sometimes [the trips] are a pain, but you have to do it,” says Zeoula.