The race for the 2026 Extra Fiji Secondary Schools Football Under-17 title is set to intensify after the official pool draw was conducted at the Fiji FA Academy in Ba.

Eight qualified teams have been split into two pools ahead of the national championship, which will be held at Subrail Park in Labasa from August 19 to 22.

Pool A features Labasa Sangam College, Nadroga Arya College, DAV College and Ba Sangam College, setting up several exciting matchups in the opening stage of the tournament.

Pool B includes Vunimono High School, Penang Sangam College, Central College Lautoka and Labasa Muslim College, with all four schools aiming to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

The teams booked their spots at the national finals through their respective zonal competitions and are now entering the final phase of preparations for the four-day event.

The top two teams from each pool will progress to the semi-finals, with the victors advancing to the championship final to battle for national honours.

Traditionally regarded as one of the most competitive grades in secondary schools football, the Under-17 division has produced many of Fiji’s emerging talents, and another closely contested championship is expected as schools from around the country converge on Labasa.