1 Jun 2018

Sport: Tuvalu lose Conifa World Cup opener

9:38 am on 1 June 2018

Tuvalu have suffered a heavy defeat in their debut match at the Conifa World Football Cup in London.

The Pacific nation, who beat New Caledonia and Tonga at last year's Pacific Mini Games, were outclassed 4-0 by Székely Land, who represent ethnic Hungarians in Romania, in their opening match in Group C.

Tuvalu stunned New Caledonia at the 2017 Pacific Mini Games.

Tuvalu stunned New Caledonia at the 2017 Pacific Mini Games. Photo: Van2017/Nomads Photography

Next up they face Padania, who thrashed Matabeleland 6-1.

Tuvalu are competing at the biennial tournament for the first time after Kiribati withdrew in March due to financial difficulties.

The World Cup is organised by the Confederation of Independent Football Associations and was first staged in 2014 for regions and states not affiliated to football's world governing body FIFA.

Tuvalu is an associate member of the Oceania Football Confederation but was refused FIFA membership because the country lacks a regulation football pitch.

Tuvalu is an associate member of Oceania Football by not affiliated with FIFA.

Tuvalu is an associate member of Oceania Football by not affiliated with FIFA. Photo: Van2017/Nomads Photography