Fiji are champions of Melanesia once again after defeating Vanuatu 1-0 in the final of the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Suva.

A 10th-minute strike from Thomas Dunn proved the difference as the Bula Boys secured a record-extending sixth Melanesian Cup title and their first international trophy in 23 years.

The triumph capped a remarkable turnaround under coach Stephane Auvray. After winning just one of his first seven matches in charge, Auvray guided Fiji to victory in their final three matches of the tournament, helping the side finish in the top two and claim the title.

Defending champions Vanuatu once again impressed throughout the competition. Following a late coaching change that saw the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer Richard Iwai replace Lars Hopp, Vanuatu topped the standings with seven points from four matches. However, they fell just short of securing back-to-back titles after reaching a second consecutive final.

The Solomon Islands also enjoyed a positive campaign, ending a nearly two-year winless run with a 2-0 victory over New Caledonia. The result marked Ben Cahn’s first win as head coach, although the side missed out on a place in the final by a single point.

Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia both recorded just one win from their four round-robin matches. New Caledonia finished at the bottom of the standings after fielding a domestic-based squad during Felix Tagawa’s first tournament in charge.

Individually, Solomon Islands duo Rafa Lea’i and Javin Wae, alongside Vanuatu striker Tony Kaltack, shared the Golden Boot award after scoring three goals each.

Fiji’s Thomas Dunn was named the tournament’s Golden Ball winner, while goalkeeper Isikeli Sevanaia Junior claimed the Golden Glove award following his standout performances throughout the competition.