“Whatever the score, so proud of what was accomplished. Tonight, we made history,”
FT: 🇻🇮 4, 🇲🇭 0. Whatever the score, so proud of what was accomplished. Tonight, we made history. pic.twitter.com/QV6JqisVUl
— Marshall Islands Soccer Federation (@SoccerFedMI) August 15, 2025
The Marshall Islands has officially entered the global soccer scene after playing its first-ever international match, ending decades as the only country without a national team. The Pacific nation faced the U.S. Virgin Islands in its debut at the Outrigger Cup in Arkansas, losing 4–0 but celebrating the milestone.
“Whatever the score, so proud of what was accomplished. Tonight, we made history,” the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation wrote on X.
The match, held in Springdale, Arkansas, was organized in a four-team tournament that included the U.S. Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, and local club Ozark United’s under-19 side. Technical director Lloyd Owers called the moment “surreal,” praising the program’s rapid development since 2022.
The 20-player squad, ranging from teenagers to players in their 40s, had only five training sessions before the game. Founded in 2021, the federation now seeks FIFA recognition, exploring membership in either CONCACAF or the Asian Football Confederation.