American Samoa's Women's Football Team Rises from Underdog to Dark Horse
American Samoa's women's national football team is celebrating a remarkable World Cup qualifying victory over neighbouring Samoa on 2 March, marking a pivotal moment in their fairytale journey. Captain Alma Mana'o reflects on the transformation from a 21-0 defeat in 1998 to securing a place in the final round of qualification, a story filled with upsets and inspiration.
From Humble Beginnings to Historic Wins
Entering the World Cup qualification tournament at the end of last year, American Samoa was the lowest-ranked team in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), sitting at 153rd in the world rankings. With an estimated population of 45,319, the island's entire populace would not fill the smallest stadium for Fifa's showpiece event. Yet, against all expectations, the team has defied the odds.
In November, they faced Tonga, the highest-ranked side in the competition. Eighteen-year-old Cassidy Drago scored the nation's first goal in Women's World Cup qualifying just before half-time, adding a second soon after to seal a 3-0 victory. This was followed by another stunning upset against Cook Islands in early December, propelling them into the second round of qualifiers.
Family Culture and Leadership
Captain Alma Mana'o emphasises the importance of family in American Samoan culture, stating, "family is above all." The team features multiple sets of sisters, fostering a close-knit environment. Mana'o, whose family holds the record for most members participating in Fifa events, says, "This is a family, we have got to get together, hold our sisters accountable and push each other." She jokes, "If we can't win, we're going to have the most kids!" highlighting their determination to succeed as a unit.
Shocking Victories and Continued Success
In the second round of qualifying, American Samoa faced Solomon Islands, ranked 80 places higher and recent 2025 Pacific Nations Cup champions. Despite a previous 7-1 loss in Olympic qualification, they secured a 1-0 victory, one of the greatest shocks in Women's World Cup qualifying history. A subsequent 1-0 win against Samoa last month ensured their place in the final OFC qualifiers, completing what Mana'o describes as the journey "from underdog to dark horse."
Coaching Impact and Future Prospects
Under the management of Amanda Cromwell, a 1996 US Olympic gold medallist, American Samoa has won four of their last five games. Mana'o credits Cromwell's influence, noting, "This doesn't happen without her pushing the federation to get us all together, to have certain meal plans, to have a trainer making sure we're taken care of." She expresses confidence in the new standards set, saying, "This new standard will be the standard."
On Sunday, American Samoa will face Papua New Guinea in Auckland, where they played their first women's international match 28 years ago, losing 21-0 to Australia. With Cromwell at the helm, there is hope for advancement in the final round.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Mana'o, who debuted for American Samoa at age 15 in 2011 with an 8-0 defeat, contrasts her early experiences with those of young players today. She highlights 14-year-olds like Mia Toeaina and Naiyah Anaiyah Ve'e, saying, "To have all these young girls that are 14 years old coming in and having positive experiences, it's amazing." Reflecting on the team's progress, she adds, "Fifteen-year-old-me is ecstatic."
This inspiring tale of resilience and teamwork continues to unfold, capturing the hearts of football fans worldwide as American Samoa aims for further success in the World Cup qualifiers.
