Twelve months after becoming the first team from Samoa to play at a FIFA tournament, the U-17 women’s national team return to Morocco this month to test themselves against the worlds best once more.
Under the guidance of head coach Juan Chang Urrea, they made history on their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ debut last year, not just for being there, but also for becoming the first OFC representatives other than New Zealand or Australia to score a goal at the tournament, in a 2-4 defeat to France in their very-first match.
Their inaugural campaign may have ended with three consecutive defeats, but exposure to such a stage, and the best young female players in the world, has given them lessons and experience they’ll be able to better apply this time around.
“It’s an incredible feeling and a privilege to represent Samoa on the world stage for a second consecutive year,” says Urrea.
“Last year was a historic moment for our country and returning shows that this was not just a one-off achievement. We know the level required to compete at a World Cup, and we’re excited to take what we learned last year and challenge ourselves again.”
Samoa have been drawn into Group E in Morocco in 2026, alongside former finalists USA, China, and Kenya, where the top two, and the four-best third placed teams from the six groups will advance to the knockout stage.
They’ll begin their campaign against the USA on the 19th of October local time, before facing China on the 22nd of October, and concluding against Kenya on the 25th of October. All matches at the tournament are scheduled to be held at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé, Morocco, except for the semi-finals, play-off for third place, and the final in Rabat.
Pitted against nations with far richer football resources and women’s national team programmes, the challenge will again be steep, but unlike 2025, they now have the experience which has helped better shape their preparation.
“Last year’s tournament gave us a much clearer understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level. We learned a lot about the speed of the game, the quality of decision-making required, and how important it is to stay composed and trust ourselves under pressure,” Urrea said.
“Perhaps the biggest lesson though, was that we belong on this stage, and we cannot afford to be intimidated by the occasion.”
Urrea says Samoa’s preparations have been focused on raising standards within the group, improving tactical understanding, and building the belief and courage to compete against the best.
Of the 21-player squad selected to represent Samoa at this year’s tournament, six also played in Morocco last year. They are; Cali Willis, Taimane Devoux, Breanna Kitiona, Jayde Eldredge, Makeli Leonard, and Reyna Tufuga, all of whom will be counted upon to help guide the other 15 players making their FIFA tournament debuts.
With a population of approximately 220,000 people, Samoa are the smallest nation ever to compete at a FIFA women’s tournament, making back-to-back appearances at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup a remarkable achievement. They qualified after a second consecutive runners-up finish at OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2025.
Urrea believes their qualification is helping to further grow women’s football in Samoa, despite being a nation that has traditionally favoured the oval ball over a round one.
“I think the greatest impact is what this team represents for the next generation. When young girls see players from Samoa competing at a FIFA World Cup, it helps them believe that they can achieve something similar. It gives women’s football greater visibility and creates something for our communities to rally behind.
“Ultimately, our goal is bigger than one tournament or one team. We want to inspire generations to come.”
Now as they prepare to write a second chapter in Samoa’s history on the global football stage, they hope to represent their nation with pride, and continue to pave the way for the future of women’s football in their part of the world.
Match Schedule (All dates and kick-off times in Samoan Time)
USA v Samoa
Tuesday 20th October, 7am Samoa Time
Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 3), Salé, Morocco
China v Samoa
Friday 23rd October, 4am Samoa Time
Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 1), Salé, Morocco
Samoa v Kenya
Monday 26th October, 7am Samoa Time
Mohammed VI Football Academy (Pitch 4), Salé, Morocco