Eriati Reebo, the Kiribati football president, emphasizes that their quest for World Cup qualifying in 2030 transcends football, aiming to create a lasting legacy for a nation facing existential threats from rising sea levels. With 138,000 inhabitants, Kiribati seeks to establish itself as an international football team, which could spotlight its plight as the only nation straddling all four hemispheres and at risk of becoming uninhabitable.

Reebo states, “Football is our passion and, despite our small territory, we dream big. This may be our last chance.” He believes that participating in the World Cup would provide Kiribati with a new audience and unite people, fundamentally changing the country's narrative.

In April, Reebo attended the FIFA congress in Canada, marking a significant milestone for Kiribati as he engaged with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and other football leaders to advocate for membership in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC). This membership would allow Kiribati to compete against larger nations like New Zealand and potentially gain funding to improve local football infrastructure, currently limited to sand pitches.

Since gaining independence from the UK in 1979, Kiribati has faced rising sea levels that threaten its future. The government has initiated policies to encourage migration and even purchased land in Fiji for climate refugees. Despite these challenges, football remains a cornerstone of Kiribati culture, drawing immense crowds at the Te Runga Games and overshadowing even more prestigious events like the Pacific Games.

Plans are underway to showcase the World Cup live in Kiribati, with Reebo eager to watch stars like Lamine Yamal and Neymar. The situation is dire, as other nations like the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu face similar threats, highlighting the urgent need for climate action. As Kiribati prepares its best players for full-time coaching, the nation remains steadfast in its fight for survival amidst the looming challenges of climate change.