Team FSM finished its first day of competition in Incheon, South Korea, with a win.
In their fourth match on October 8, the students from Pohnpei joined Kazakhstan and Austria in a three-country alliance that won 369–148. The result followed three earlier losses—a challenging start to representing the Federated States of Micronesia at the 2026 FIRST Global Challenge.
Our 60-second highlight video follows the team from the October 7 opening ceremony through its first day on the competition floor. The original event commentary brings viewers into the action, including the announcer following FSM’s robot as it climbs during the winning match.
Video footage: FIRST Global. Highlights edited for Habele.
Putting their skills to work
Each match brings a new combination of alliance partners and problems to solve. Students must put their engineering and programming skills to work under time pressure, coordinating with teammates and working alongside young people from other countries.
The video captures some of that experience: the excitement of entering the arena, difficult moments on the field, and a successful finish to the day. For families, teachers and friends following from Micronesia and abroad, it offers a glimpse of the work behind the results.
Carrying Pohnpei onto the world stage
In our August preview, we introduced the team and its send-off shirt design: a basalt gateway inspired by Nan Madol, with circuit lines reaching toward the four stars of the FSM flag. The design connects Pohnpei’s long history of ingenuity with the students’ ambitions in science and technology.
Habele provided the shirts and is helping share the team’s story. The students and their local educators are doing the central work—preparing, building and competing.
Competition continues through October 10. We’re cheering for Team FSM and everyone helping these students carry their skills and determination onto the international stage.
Follow the competition through FIRST Global’s official broadcasts.