Share this @internewscast.com

As it stands, Marshall Islands in Oceania’s Micronesia region is the last remaining sovereign nation in the world without an international football team.

And if three determined English men have their way, that could change sooner rather than later.

Located 5270km from Australia, the Republic has five islands and a population of just over 42,000 people.

Basketball has that mantle now, and hypothetically, recruiting and developing 11 quality footballers for an international qualifier tomorrow could be a daunting task.

Some would say impossible.

As it stands, Marshall Islands (pictured) is the last remaining sovereign nation in the world without an international football team

As it stands, Marshall Islands (pictured) is the last remaining sovereign nation in the world without an international football team

With a population of just over 42,000 there is scope for a future national team (pictured, a current crop of eager locals)

With a population of just over 42,000 there is scope for a future national team (pictured, a current crop of eager locals)

In 2001, the gulf in class between established football nations and minnows was evident when the Socceroos beat American Samoa 31-0 in a World Cup qualifier - Archie Thompson (pictured) scored 13 goals for Australia

In 2001, the gulf in class between established football nations and minnows was evident when the Socceroos beat American Samoa 31-0 in a World Cup qualifier – Archie Thompson (pictured) scored 13 goals for Australia 

There is also significant work which needs to be done when it comes to the world game on the Marshall Islands – the sovereign nation currently has no football clubs or competitions.

If that wasn’t enough, there are also no fields, goalposts and only a handful of balls.

Establishing a football Federation in 2020 was a positive step for a nation which was previously annexed by Germany, occupied by Japan during World War I and then the US following the second World War.

Bikini Atoll on the Islands was also the venue where America conducted 67 nuclear weapon tests between 1945 and 1958.

To this day, the huge concrete dome on Runit Island, which contains radioactive waste, is an understandable sore point with the locals. To make matters worse, it has developed a crack. 

Climate change is also a real threat. According to research carried out by the Marshall Islands government along with the World Bank in 2021, a 1m surge in sea has the potential to inundate 40 per cent of structures and wipe out entire islands 

A Netflix sporting documentary – perhaps similar to the 2023 film Next Goal Wins, which showcased the fortunes of American Samoa – who infamously lost 31-0 to the Socceroos in 2001 in a World Cup qualifier – could ensure football becomes a permanent focus on the Marshall Islands.

At the time that one-sided result launched the career of Archie Thompson, who scored 13 goals for Australia at Coffs Harbour on the NSW mid-north coast.

Just 22 at the time, Thompson went overseas with an envied goal-scoring reputation, enjoying stints in Belgium and Holland. 

‘That [a documentary] could be a game changer for us,’ Walley told Fairfax.

‘The last country on earth without football would be an amazing story.  ‘For me, this is a story that needs to be told.’

Climate Change & Global Warming

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Leeds Pay Tribute to Fans by Unveiling the 2025/26 Home Jersey

Leeds United have made their return to the Premier League for the…

PSG Dominates Real Madrid with a 4-0 Victory: Luis Enrique’s Team to Challenge Chelsea in Club World Cup Final on Sunday, Reports Kieran Gill

It takes some doing to reduce Real Madrid’s side of superstars to…

Alphonso Davies Shocked by Jamal Musiala’s Injury During Livestream Reaction

Jamal Musiala endured a devastating injury during Bayern Munich’s Club World Cup…

Why Brad Pitt’s F1 Movie Was Destined to Fail: An Analysis by Oliver Holt

I went to see F1: The Movie on Saturday afternoon. Here’s my…

Newcastle shocks with surprise signing of Everton striker, leaving manager in the dark

Everton boss David Moyes bullishly insisted he was making the final decision…

A 300-Mile Camper Van Journey to Canberra: Meeting a Future Lions Star and a Tattoo Bet on Mack Hansen’s Face

Nik and Kev’s Lions tour escapades took a twist this week as…

John Terry offers fascinating details about his coaching techniques at Chelsea’s academy, sharing never-before-seen training footage with a mic on. He also passionately communicates (with some choice words) to the upcoming players!

John Terry has given an intimate insight into his coaching methods at…

How Winning the Club World Cup Might Negatively Affect Chelsea: Inside the “Bomb Squad” and Influencers’ Unusual Appeals to Journalists – CHELSEA CONFIDENTIAL

The Premier League will not push back the start of next season…

Inside Scoop: Why Gassama Could Become a Fan Favorite at Ibrox

DJEIDI GASSAMA looks sure to become a real fans’ favourite at Rangers…

Adidas Honors Lionel Messi with Stunning F50 ‘Radiant Blaze’ Boots

Following a nine-year hiatus, adidas’ renowned F50 boots made an impressive return…

Donald Trump Unexpectedly Interrupts Chelsea’s Club World Cup Trophy Celebration, Leaving Cole Palmer Seemingly Reacting with a Three-Word Remark

Chelsea hero Cole Palmer was left bemused as Donald Trump bizarrely gatecrashed…