Vanuatu have withdrawn from the OFC qualifying tournament for the 2022 Men’s World Cup, FIFA and the OFC have confirmed. Vanuatu were unable to play their first two matches due to a number of positive COVID-19 tests in their squad.

Vanuatu were to play Tahiti at the OFC qualifying tournament in Doha, Qatar, on THU 17 MAR 2022, but that day, it was announced that the majority of their players had tested positive for COVID-19. They were not left with sufficient players to play the match. As a result of their withdrawal, their matches in Group A have been cancelled.

In addition, the Cook Is have also had a number of positive tests and are unable to play their scheduled Group A match against Tahiti on SUN 20 MAR 2022. No decision has yet been made about the Cook Is’ participation.