The Marshall Islands, the last country in the world without a football team, is preparing to play their first 11-a-side fixtures in a mini-tournament called the Outrigger Cup. The matches will take place in Springdale, Arkansas, due to the large Marshallese population there. The national squad will include players of Marshallese descent from the US and Europe, as well as American players from the Marshall Islands. The team hopes these games will help achieve recognition from FIFA and the Oceania Football Confederation.
The Marshall Islands football leadership, made up of British and Marshallese coaches and volunteers, is focused on playing challenging opponents to test themselves. Football has historically not been a popular sport in the Marshall Islands, with basketball being the preferred sport. Climate change is also a major concern for the nation, as rising sea levels threaten to wipe out the islands. The team aims to use football to raise awareness of this issue.
Without FIFA accreditation and funding, the Marshall Islands will need to fundraise to cover the costs of the matches. They see these games as a way to showcase the country on an international level and hope to one day achieve confederation membership. The team is excited to represent their country and be the first group to play 11-a-side football for the Marshall Islands.
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