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Samoa national football team facts for kids

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Not to be confused with American Samoa men's national football team.
This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Samoa women's national football team.
Quick facts for kids
Samoa
Shirt badge/Association crest
Association Football Federation Samoa
Confederation OFC (Oceania)
Head coach Jess Ibrom
Captain Andrew Setefano
Most caps Andrew Setefano (28)
Top scorer Desmond Fa'aiuaso (9)
Home stadium National Soccer Stadium
FIFA code SAM
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 197 Steady (7 February 2019)
Highest 146 (December 2007)
Lowest 204 (November 2011)
Elo ranking
Current 220 Decrease 2 (3 March 2019)
Highest 182 (1979)
Lowest 224 (September 2015)
First international
 Solomon Islands 12–0 Western Samoa 
(Suva, Fiji; 31 August 1979)
Biggest win
 Samoa 10–0 American Samoa 
(Honiara, Solomon Islands; 20 November 2023)
Biggest defeat
 Tahiti 13–0 Western Samoa 
(Honiara, Solomon Islands; 13 July 1981)
OFC Nations Cup
Appearances 3 (first in 2012)
Best result Group stage (2012, 2016, 2024)
Pacific Games
Appearances 5 (first in 1979)
Best result Quarter-finals (1983)

The Samoa men's national association football team (Samoan: Sāmoa soka au) represents Samoa in men's international football and is controlled by the Football Federation Samoa, the governing body for football in Samoa. Samoa's home ground is Toleafoa J. S. Blatter Soccer Stadium in Apia. It was known as the Western Samoa national football team until 1997.

History

Beginnings (1979–1993)

Although they had not taken part in the first five editions of the South Pacific Games, their geographical proximity to Fiji, host of 1979 South Pacific Games, allowed them to participate for the first time. They lost both group stage matches to Wallis and Futuna 3–1 and Solomon Islands 12–0. Four years later, as hosts of the 1983 edition, they beat American Samoa 3–1, drew 3–3 with Tonga and fell again to Wallis and Futuna, but the results allowed them to advance to the next round. In the quarterfinals, Tahiti eliminated them by beating them 2–0.

Samoa entered qualification for the 1988 Summer Olympics however they were defeated by New Zealand over two legs, losing 7–0 at home before being defeated 12–0 in Auckland. In the playoffs for the next round, Samoa lost to Chinese Taipei 5–0 and were eliminated.

Regional Frustrations (1994–2010)

In 1994 they hosted the first edition of the Polynesia Cup, where they beat American Samoa, tied with Tonga and lost to Tahiti to finish in third position. In 1998 they were third again, coming within a point of the Cook Islands in second. Samoa returned to finish third again in the 2000 edition by beating Tonga and American Samoa, but losing to the Cook Islands and Tahiti.

After four tournaments absent, they returned in the 2007 South Pacific Games as hosts. They managed six points by beating Tonga and American Samoa again, but were eliminated after losing to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

OFC Nations Cup (2011–present)

In 2011, they hosted the OFC Nations Cup qualifying tournament. There, they beat the Cook Islands 3–2, drew 1–1 with Tonga and defeated American Samoa 1–0 to qualify for the first time in their history. At the championship proper, they were beaten 10–1 by Tahiti, 5–0 by Vanuatu and 9–0 by New Caledonia.

In the 2016 qualifiers, they beat American Samoa 3–2 and lost 1–0 to the Cook Islands. In their final game, the Samoan team defeated Tonga 3–0 and qualified on goal difference, because of American Samoa's 2–0 win over the Cookian team. At the tournament, which took place in Papua New Guinea, the Samoan team lost 4–0 to Tahiti, 7–0 to New Caledonia and 8–0 to the local team. Therefore, they finished in last place in their group without a single point.

During 2024 qualifying, Samoa qualified for the final tournament after a 4-1 win over Tonga, and a 1-0 win against Cook Islands. Samoa were then eliminated from the 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Tahiti, a 9-1 defeat against co-hosts Fiji, and a 2-1 defeat against Papua New Guinea; this ensured their elimination as Samoa placed fourth in Group B after conceding thirteen goals without a single point.

Kit sponsorship

Kit supplier Period
Germany Puma ?
Italy Lotto 2003
Germany Uhlsport 2005
Italy Lotto 2007–2013
United States Nike 2015–2016
Germany Adidas 2017
Italy Lotto 2019–

Results and fixtures

Main articles: Samoa national football team results and Western Samoa national football team results

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

2023

2024

Coaching staff

Position Name
Head coach England Jess Ibrom
Assistant coach New Zealand Alastair McLae
Goalkeeping coach Samoa Joseph Kapisi
Team manager Samoa Saolotoga Pula
Technical adviser New Zealand Jess Ibrom
Gear manager Samoa Bevan Kapisi
International Scout New Zealand Alastair McLae
International Scout England Russ Gurr

Coaching history

  • Samoa Terry Epa (1996–2001)
  • Argentina Vic Fernandez (2001–2002)
  • Samoa Malo Vaga (2002)
  • England David Brand (2002/2005)
  • Germany Rudi Gutendorf (2003)
  • Samoa Falevi Umutaua (2007)
  • American Samoa Tunoa Lui (2011)
  • Samoa Malo Vaga (2012–2014)
  • Samoa Phineas Young (2014–2016)
  • New Zealand Scott Easthope (2016–2018)
  • Samoa Paul Ualesi (2019)
  • New Zealand Matt Calcott (2021–2022)
  • Northern Ireland Ryan Stewart (2023–present)

Players

The following players were called up for the 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup.

Caps and goals correct as of 22 June 2024, after the game against Papua New Guinea.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Joel Bartley (2005-04-13) 13 April 2005 (age 20) 7 0 Australia Sydney United
1GK Paul Taupau (2006-01-01) 1 January 2006 (age 19) 1 0 New Zealand Franklin United
1GK Kirk Auvele (2006-06-10) 10 June 2006 (age 18) 0 0 Samoa Vaivase-Tai
2DF Andrew Setefano (1987-08-10) 10 August 1987 (age 37) 23 0 Samoa Lupe o le Soaga
2DF Faitalia Hamilton-Pama (1993-05-17) 17 May 1993 (age 32) 9 1 New Zealand Western Springs
2DF Luke Salisbury (2004-09-15) 15 September 2004 (age 20) 8 1 New Zealand Roslyn-Wakari
2DF Luke Tolo-Kent (2003-04-29) 29 April 2003 (age 22) 8 0 New Zealand Miramar Rangers
2DF Taine Wilson (2004-11-08) 8 November 2004 (age 20) 7 0 New Zealand Nelson Suburbs
2DF Harry Chote (1999-11-04) 4 November 1999 (age 25) 3 0 New Zealand Miramar Rangers
2DF Niko Steinmetz (2000-04-20) 20 April 2000 (age 25) 3 0 New Zealand Western Springs
3MF Dauntae Mariner (2000-01-25) 25 January 2000 (age 25) 8 0 New Zealand Nelson Suburbs
3MF Kaleb De Groot-Green (2002-05-11) 11 May 2002 (age 23) 6 0 New Zealand Christchurch United
3MF Jarvis Filimalae (2003-04-20) 20 April 2003 (age 22) 5 0 Samoa Lupe o le Soaga
3MF Alex Malauulu (2006-03-12) 12 March 2006 (age 19) 2 0 Argentina San Jorge
3MF Caleb Hilbron (2002-01-01) 1 January 2002 (age 23) 1 0 New Zealand Island Bay United
3MF Jesse Vine (2003-01-23) 23 January 2003 (age 22) 1 0 Australia Kemps Creek United
4FW Pharrell Trainor (2006-06-20) 20 June 2006 (age 18) 6 2 Germany TSV Schott Mainz
4FW Dilo Tumua (2000-03-15) 15 March 2000 (age 25) 5 3 Samoa Vaivase-Tai
4FW Michael Tumua Leo (2003-01-15) 15 January 2003 (age 22) 5 5 Samoa Lupe o le Soaga
4FW Kyah Cahill (2003-03-13) 13 March 2003 (age 22) 2 0 unattached
4FW Juan Gobbi (2005-11-17) 17 November 2005 (age 19) 2 0 unattached
4FW Darcy Knight (2000-02-18) 18 February 2000 (age 25) 2 0 New Zealand Onehunga Mangere United
4FW Greg Siamoa (2003-08-21) 21 August 2003 (age 21) 1 0 Cambodia Life FC

Recent call-ups

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
DF Key Viliamu (1996-08-26) 26 August 1996 (age 28) 0 0 Samoa Lupe o le Soaga v.  Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
DF Jefferson Faamatau (2000-07-12) 12 July 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Samoa Vaipuna v.  Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
DF Jerrymiah Maiava (2000-09-19) 19 September 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Samoa Vaivase-Tai v.  Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
DF Legend Spencer 2 0 United States FC Minneapolis 2023 Pacific Games
MF Alman Kwan (2003-01-18) 18 January 2003 (age 22) 5 2 Samoa Vaivase-Tai v.  Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
MF Va'a Taualai (1998-06-04) 4 June 1998 (age 27) 6 2 Samoa Lupe o le Soaga v.  Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
MF Reupena Fasi (2005-01-14) 14 January 2005 (age 20) 2 0 Samoa Goldstar Sogi v.  Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
MF Viliami Viliamu (1996-08-26) 26 August 1996 (age 28) 2 0 Samoa Lupe o le Soaga v.  Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
MF Nathan Viliamu 2 2 v.  Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
MF Popese Smith 1 0 v.  Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
MF Falaniko Nanumea (2002-01-17) 17 January 2002 (age 23) 2 0 Samoa Vailima Kiwi 2023 Pacific Games
MF Darren Talilai (1995-10-23) 23 October 1995 (age 29) 2 0 Samoa Lupe o le Soaga 2023 Pacific Games
MF Samuelu Malo (1999-04-04) 4 April 1999 (age 26) 1 0 Samoa Vailima Kiwi 2023 Pacific Games
MF Tuuga Malaeamanu 1 0 Samoa Adidas SC 2023 Pacific Games
FW Ethan Stowers (2005-10-26) 26 October 2005 (age 19) 3 1 Samoa Faatoia United v.  Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
FW Xavier Tanielu (1999-03-02) 2 March 1999 (age 26) 2 0 Samoa Vaivase-Tai v.  Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
FW Alton Leiataua (2005-11-27) 27 November 2005 (age 19) 1 0 Samoa Vaivase-Tai v.  Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
FW Ethelbert Edward (2007-09-03) 3 September 2007 (age 17) 0 0 Samoa Lepea v.  Cook Islands, 23 March 2024

Player records

Players in bold are still active with Samoa.

Most appearances

Rank Name Caps Goals Career
1 Andrew Setefano 28 0 2011–present
2 Desmond Fa'aiuaso 20 9 2001–2016
3 Filipo Bureta 14 0 2001–2016
Lionel Taylor 14 1 2004–2016
5 Junior Michael 13 5 1996–2007
Luke Tolo Kent 13 0 2023–present
Dauntae Mariner 13 0 2023–present
Luke Salisbury 13 2 2023–present
9 Silao Malo 12 2 2011–2016
Jarrell Sale 12 0 2007–2015
Mike Saofaiga 12 0 2011–2019

Top goalscorers

Rank Name Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Desmond Fa'aiuaso 9 20 0.45 2001–2016
2 Michael Tumua Leo 5 6 0.83 2023–present
Junior Michael 5 13 0.38 1996–2007
4 Dilo Tumua 4 7 0.57 2023–present
5 Tama Fasavalu 3 4 0.75 2002–2004
Vito Laloata 3 4 0.75 2015–2019
Nathan Viliamu 3 7 0.43 2024–present
Pualele Lemana 3 11 0.27 2001–2004

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1986 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
as  Western Samoa as  Western Samoa
Italy 1990 Did not enter Did not enter
United States 1994 Withdrew Withdrew
as  Samoa as  Samoa
France 1998 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 2 2
South Korea Japan 2002 4 1 0 3 9 18
Germany 2006 4 1 0 3 5 11
South Africa 2010 4 2 0 2 9 8
Brazil 2014 6 2 1 3 6 27
Russia 2018 6 2 0 4 6 22
Qatar 2022 Withdrew Withdrew
Canada Mexico United States 2026 Did not qualify 2 2 0 2 4 1
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total – 0/9 – – – – – – 28 11 1 16 41 89

OFC Nations Cup

Oceania Cup / OFC Nations Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
as  Western Samoa
New Zealand 1973 Did not enter Did not enter
New Caledonia 1980
Pacific Community 1996 Did not qualify 3 1 1 1 5 10
as  Samoa
Australia 1998 Did not qualify 4 2 0 2 8 7
French Polynesia 2000 4 2 0 2 13 6
New Zealand 2002 4 2 0 2 8 9
Australia 2004 4 1 0 3 5 11
Pacific Community 2008 4 2 0 2 9 8
Solomon Islands 2012 Group stage 8th 3 0 0 3 1 24 Squad 3 2 1 0 5 3
Papua New Guinea 2016 8th 3 0 0 3 0 19 Squad 3 2 0 1 6 3
Fiji Vanuatu 2024 7th 3 0 0 3 2 13 Squad 2 2 0 0 5 1
Total Group stage 3/11 9 0 0 9 3 56 — 31 16 2 13 64 58

Pacific Games

Pacific Games record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
Fiji 1963 Did not enter
New Caledonia 1966
Papua New Guinea 1969
French Polynesia 1971
Guam 1975
Fiji 1979 Group stage 10th 3 0 0 3 3 19
Samoa 1983 Quarter-finals 6th 4 1 1 2 7 8
New Caledonia 1987 Did not enter
Papua New Guinea 1991
French Polynesia 1995
Fiji 2003
Samoa 2007 Group stage 5th 4 2 0 2 9 8
New Caledonia 2011 Did not enter
Papua New Guinea 2015 N/A – tournament was U23
Samoa 2019 Group stage 8th 4 1 0 3 3 22
Solomon Islands 2023 Group stage 7th 4 21 0 2 141 3
Total Quarter-finals 5/16 19 6 1 12 36 60
  1. Cook Islands forfeited the tournament before the seventh place final, Samoa received a 3-0 walkover win.

Head-to-head record

As of 15 November 2024

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1  American Samoa 12 12 0 0 56 5 +51 36
2  Australia 1 0 0 1 0 11 −11 0
3  Chinese Taipei 1 0 0 1 0 5 −5 0
4  Cook Islands 7 3 1 3 9 9 0 10
5  Fiji 6 0 0 6 3 31 −28 0
6  Guam 1 0 0 1 2 4 −2 0
7  New Caledonia 4 0 0 4 0 29 −29 0
8  New Zealand 2 0 0 2 0 19 −19 0
9  Papua New Guinea 6 0 0 6 5 28 −23 0
10  Solomon Islands 4 0 0 4 0 21 −21 0
11  Tahiti 10 0 0 10 4 50 −46 0
12  Tonga 13 8 3 2 27 11 +16 27
13  Tuvalu 1 0 0 1 0 3 −3 0
14  Vanuatu 6 0 0 6 2 40 −38 0
15  Wallis and Futuna 2 0 0 2 2 5 −3 0
Source: 1979–97 results and 1998–present results

Includes results as Western Samoa.

Historical kits

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Samoa para niños

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