2025 Outrigger Challenge Cup Review
The last country in the world without a football team has finally arrived on the international stage. The Marshall Islands officially made their historic bow at the Outrigger Challenge Cup.
The Marshall Islands made their historic international soccer debut at the Outrigger Challenge Cup, held in Springdale, Arkansas from August 13-16, 2025. As the last country in the world without a football team, their arrival on the international stage marked a defining milestone.
The Marshallese competed against three established teams: the US Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos Islands, and Ozark United under-19s.
Their opening match against the US Virgin Islands ended in a 4-0 loss on August 14th, with Rakeem Joseph scoring a hat-trick. However, the Marshall Islands created history in their second match on August 16th against Turks & Caicos. Defender Josiah Blanton scored his country's first-ever international goal following a pass from Aaron Anitok-Brokken, who then added a penalty. The Marshall Islands fell 3-2, but the moment was historic.
The US Virgin Islands won the tournament, defeating Ozark United 4-2 in the final.
The Marshall Islands Soccer Federation aspires to join FIFA by 2030, with membership in either the Oceania or Asian Football Confederation as their long-term goal.