American Samoa with triumphant WCQ qualifier

American Samoa made history in more ways than one in the recent OFC World Cup Qualifiers Round 1.

Following two knockout victories against Tonga (3-0) and hosts Cook Islands (4-0), this marks the first time American Samoa have won consecutive women’s international matches, and the first time they have advanced past the first round of the qualifying process for a senior World Cup at any level.

The win against the Tongans was 27 years in the making, since American Samoa competed in their first qualifying campaign for the global finals in 1998.

In the decisive match against the Cooks for a spot in the second round, American Samoa picked up where they left off from their 3-0 win over Tonga three days prior, pressing the Cook Islands and controlling the contest from start to finish.

American Samoa did what other OFC nations have started doing in recent years, and drawing on their diaspora from other nations to help bolster their squad. For this campaign, the majority of the AmSam squad were based in the USA.

The team was coached by former USA international, and 1996 Olympic Games gold medalist, Amanda Cromwell.

They now advance to join Group A of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 OFC Round Two Qualifying in February 2026, alongside New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, and Samoa.

Watch the highlights of American Samoa v Cook Islands:

PS: Tonga and fellow first match-losers Tahiti played a friendly to see out the first round qualifiers. Tonga won 4-1.

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