FIFA have confirmed that Tonga have withdrawn from the OFC qualifying tournament for the 2022 Men’s World Cup, as the nation continues on its recovery from the volcanic eruptions and tsunamis on FRI 14-SUN 16 JAN 2022.

Massive eruptions of the Hunga Tonga volcano occurred over a three day span, spreading ash across the islands of the Tongan archipelago and triggering tsunamis across the Pacific region. To date, three Tongans are confirmed dead, with many others unaccounted for. Flights and satellite images have since shown extensive damage throughout the nation.

Tonga were to have played the Cook Is in the preliminary match on SUN 13 MAR 2022. Instead, the Cook Is advance automatically to Group A, and the tournament will begin in Qatar on THU 17 MAR 2022 with eight teams.