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Samoa national football team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
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 national football team (Samoan: Sāmoa soka au) plays for Samoa in international men's football games. The team is managed by the Football Federation Samoa. Their home stadium is the Toleafoa J. S. Blatter Soccer Stadium in Apia. Before 1997, the team was known as the Western Samoa national football team.

Team History

Early Years (1979–1993)

Samoa first played in the South Pacific Games in 1979. They lost their first two matches. Four years later, in 1983, Samoa hosted the games. They beat American Samoa 3–1 and tied with Tonga 3–3. These results helped them move to the next round. However, Tahiti defeated them 2–0 in the quarter-finals.

Samoa also tried to qualify for the 1988 Summer Olympics. They lost to New Zealand in two games. Later, they were eliminated by Chinese Taipei.

Regional Challenges (1994–2010)

In 1994, Samoa hosted the first Polynesia Cup. They finished third after beating American Samoa. They also tied with Tonga. In 1998 and 2000, Samoa again placed third in the Polynesia Cup.

After not playing in four tournaments, Samoa returned for the 2007 South Pacific Games as hosts. They won two games against Tonga and American Samoa. But losses to the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu meant they were eliminated.

OFC Nations Cup Era (2011–Present)

In 2011, Samoa hosted the qualifying tournament for the OFC Men's Nations Cup. They won against the Cook Islands and American Samoa. They also drew with Tonga. This allowed them to qualify for the main tournament for the first time. At the championship, they lost all their matches.

In the 2016 qualifiers, Samoa beat American Samoa and Tonga. They qualified for the main tournament again. In the 2016 OFC Nations Cup, Samoa lost all three group games.

For the 2024 qualifiers, Samoa won against Tonga and the Cook Islands. This meant they qualified for the final tournament. However, in the 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup, Samoa lost all their matches. They finished fourth in their group.

Team Uniform Sponsors

Kit supplier Period
Germany Puma 1998
Italy Lotto 2000
United Kingdom Admiral 2001
Germany Uhlsport 2002
Italy Lotto 2004
Germany Uhlsport 2005
Italy Lotto 2006–2014
United States Nike 2015–2016
Germany Adidas 2016–2018
FC 2018
Italy Lotto 2019–

Recent Match Results

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

Here are some of Samoa's recent football match results.

2024 Matches

In 2024, Samoa played several important matches.

  • On March 20, they won against Tonga with a score of 4–1 in the OFC Nations Cup qualification.
  • On March 23, they secured another win, beating the Cook Islands 1–0.
  • In the 2024 OFC Nations Cup, Samoa faced tough opponents. They lost 2–0 to Tahiti on June 16.
  • On June 19, they had a challenging game against co-hosts Fiji, losing 9–1.
  • Their final group match on June 22 was a 2–1 loss to Papua New Guinea. These results meant Samoa was eliminated from the tournament.
  • In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, Samoa played American Samoa on September 6, winning 2–0.
  • On September 9, they won against Tonga 2–1 in extra time.
  • On October 12, Samoa lost 4–1 to Vanuatu.
  • On November 15, they lost 3–0 to Tahiti.
  • Their last match in 2024 was an 8–0 loss to New Zealand on November 18.

Coaching Staff

Position Name
Head coach New Zealand 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 (2023–2024)
  • New Zealand Jess Ibrom (2024–present)

Team Players

The players listed below were part of the team for the 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup.

Player information is correct as of June 22, 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 19) 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 19) 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

Other Players Called Up Recently

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 25) 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 the Samoa team.

Most Games Played

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 Goal Scorers

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

Tournament Records

FIFA World Cup History

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 5 2 0 3 5 16
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total – 0/9 – – – – – – 31 11 1 19 42 104

OFC Nations Cup History

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 History

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 2 0 2 14 3
Total Quarter-finals 5/16 19 6 1 12 36 60

Team Matchups

As of November 15, 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.

See also

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

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