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.

Samoa
Shirt badge/Association crest
AssociationFootball Federation Samoa
ConfederationOFC (Oceania)
Head coachJess Ibrom
CaptainAndrew Setefano
Most capsAndrew Setefano (28)
Top scorerDesmond Fa'aiuaso (9)
Home stadiumNational Soccer Stadium
FIFA codeSAM
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 192 Steady (19 December 2024)[1]
Highest146 (December 2007)
Lowest204 (November 2011)
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
Appearances3 (first in 2012)
Best resultGroup stage (2012, 2016, 2024)
Pacific Games
Appearances5 (first in 1979)
Best resultQuarter-finals (1983)

History

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Beginnings (1979–1993)

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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)

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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)

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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

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Kit supplier[3] Period
  Puma ?
  Lotto 2003
  Uhlsport 2005
  Lotto 2007–2013
  Nike 2015–2016
  Adidas 2017
  Lotto 2019–

Results and fixtures

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

2023

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27 November 2023 2023 Pacific Games Tahiti   2–1   Samoa Honiara, Solomon Islands
16:00
Report
Stadium: SIFF Academy Field
Referee: David Yaraboinen (Papua New Guinea)

2024

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20 March 2024 OFC Nations Cup qualification Tonga   1–4   Samoa Nuku'alofa, Tonga
14:00 Kite   90+5' Report
Stadium: Teufaiva Stadium
Attendance: 300
Referee: Luke Gardner (New Zealand)
23 March 2024 OFC Nations Cup qualification Samoa   1–0   Cook Islands Nuku'alofa, Tonga
11:00
Report Stadium: Teufaiva Stadium
Referee: Pari Oito (Tahiti)
16 June 2024 OFC Nations Cup Tahiti   2–0   Samoa Suva, Fiji
11:00
Report Stadium: HFC Bank Stadium
Attendance: 500
Referee: Ben Aukwai (Solomon Islands)
19 June 2024 OFC Nations Cup Samoa   1–9   Fiji Suva, Fiji
11:00
Report
Stadium: HFC Bank Stadium
Attendance: 1,300
Referee: Calvin Berg (New Zealand)
22 June 2024 OFC Nations Cup Samoa   1–2   Papua New Guinea Suva, Fiji
14:00
Report
Stadium: HFC Bank Stadium
Attendance: 500
Referee: Ben Aukwai (Solomon Islands)
6 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification American Samoa   0–2   Samoa Apia, Samoa
15:00 UTC+13 [4][5]
Stadium: National Soccer Stadium
Attendance: 600
Referee: Norbert Hauata (Tahiti)
9 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Tonga   1–2 (a.e.t.)   Samoa Apia, Samoa
15:00 UTC+13
[6][7]
Stadium: National Soccer Stadium
Attendance: 500
Referee: Mederic Lacour (New Caledonia)
12 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Vanuatu   4–1   Samoa Port Vila, Vanuatu
14:00 UTC+11
[8] Viliamu   55' Stadium: VFF Freshwater Stadium
15 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Samoa   0–3   Tahiti Hamilton, New Zealand
15:00 UTC+13 [9]
Stadium: Waikato Stadium
18 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Samoa   0–8   New Zealand Auckland, New Zealand
19:30 UTC+13 [10]
Stadium: Mount Smart Stadium
Referee: Veer Singh (Fiji)

Coaching staff

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

Coaching history

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Players

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The following players were called up for the 2024 OFC Men's Nations Cup.[11]

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 19) 7 0   Sydney United
1GK Paul Taupau (2006-01-01) 1 January 2006 (age 18) 1 0   Franklin United
1GK Kirk Auvele (2006-06-10) 10 June 2006 (age 18) 0 0   Vaivase-Tai

2DF Andrew Setefano (1987-08-10) 10 August 1987 (age 37) 23 0   Lupe o le Soaga
2DF Faitalia Hamilton-Pama (1993-05-17) 17 May 1993 (age 31) 9 1   Western Springs
2DF Luke Salisbury (2004-09-15) 15 September 2004 (age 20) 8 1   Roslyn-Wakari
2DF Luke Tolo-Kent (2003-04-29) 29 April 2003 (age 21) 8 0   Miramar Rangers
2DF Taine Wilson (2004-11-08) 8 November 2004 (age 20) 7 0   Nelson Suburbs
2DF Harry Chote (1999-11-04) 4 November 1999 (age 25) 3 0   Miramar Rangers
2DF Niko Steinmetz (2000-04-20) 20 April 2000 (age 24) 3 0   Western Springs

3MF Dauntae Mariner (2000-01-25) 25 January 2000 (age 24) 8 0   Nelson Suburbs
3MF Kaleb De Groot-Green (2002-05-11) 11 May 2002 (age 22) 6 0   Christchurch United
3MF Jarvis Filimalae (2003-04-20) 20 April 2003 (age 21) 5 0   Lupe o le Soaga
3MF Alex Malauulu (2006-03-12) 12 March 2006 (age 18) 2 0   San Jorge
3MF Caleb Hilbron (2002-01-01) 1 January 2002 (age 22) 1 0   Island Bay United
3MF Jesse Vine (2003-01-23) 23 January 2003 (age 21) 1 0   Kemps Creek United

4FW Pharrell Trainor (2006-06-20) 20 June 2006 (age 18) 6 2   TSV Schott Mainz
4FW Dilo Tumua (2000-03-15) 15 March 2000 (age 24) 5 3   Vaivase-Tai
4FW Michael Tumua Leo (2003-01-15) 15 January 2003 (age 21) 5 5   Lupe o le Soaga
4FW Kyah Cahill (2003-03-13) 13 March 2003 (age 21) 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 24) 2 0   Onehunga Mangere United
4FW Greg Siamoa (2003-08-21) 21 August 2003 (age 21) 1 0   Life FC

Recent call-ups

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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   Lupe o le Soaga v.   Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
DF Jefferson Faamatau (2000-07-12) 12 July 2000 (age 24) 0 0   Vaipuna v.   Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
DF Jerrymiah Maiava (2000-09-19) 19 September 2000 (age 24) 0 0   Vaivase-Tai v.   Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
DF Legend Spencer 2 0   FC Minneapolis 2023 Pacific Games

MF Alman Kwan (2003-01-18) 18 January 2003 (age 21) 5 2   Vaivase-Tai v.   Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
MF Va'a Taualai (1998-06-04) 4 June 1998 (age 26) 6 2   Lupe o le Soaga v.   Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
MF Reupena Fasi (2005-01-14) 14 January 2005 (age 19) 2 0   Goldstar Sogi v.   Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
MF Viliami Viliamu (1996-08-26) 26 August 1996 (age 28) 2 0   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 22) 2 0   Vailima Kiwi 2023 Pacific Games
MF Darren Talilai (1995-10-23) 23 October 1995 (age 29) 2 0   Lupe o le Soaga 2023 Pacific Games
MF Samuelu Malo (1999-04-04) 4 April 1999 (age 25) 1 0   Vailima Kiwi 2023 Pacific Games
MF Tuuga Malaeamanu 1 0   Adidas SC 2023 Pacific Games

FW Ethan Stowers (2005-10-26) 26 October 2005 (age 19) 3 1   Faatoia United v.   Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
FW Xavier Tanielu (1999-03-02) 2 March 1999 (age 25) 2 0   Vaivase-Tai v.   Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
FW Alton Leiataua (2005-11-27) 27 November 2005 (age 19) 1 0   Vaivase-Tai v.   Cook Islands, 23 March 2024
FW Ethelbert Edward (2007-09-03) 3 September 2007 (age 17) 0 0   Lepea v.   Cook Islands, 23 March 2024

Player records

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As of 18 November 2024[12]
Players in bold are still active with Samoa.

Most appearances

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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

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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

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FIFA World Cup

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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
  1990 Did not enter Did not enter
  1994 Withdrew Withdrew
as   Samoa as   Samoa
  1998 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 2 2
    2002 4 1 0 3 9 18
  2006 4 1 0 3 5 11
  2010 4 2 0 2 9 8
  2014 6 2 1 3 6 27
  2018 6 2 0 4 6 22
  2022 Withdrew Withdrew
      2026 Did not qualify 2 2 0 2 4 1
      2030 To be determined To be determined
  2034
Total 0/9 28 11 1 16 41 89

OFC Nations Cup

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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
  1973 Did not enter Did not enter
  1980
  1996 Did not qualify 3 1 1 1 5 10
as   Samoa
  1998 Did not qualify 4 2 0 2 8 7
  2000 4 2 0 2 13 6
  2002 4 2 0 2 8 9
  2004 4 1 0 3 5 11
  2008 4 2 0 2 9 8
  2012 Group stage 8th 3 0 0 3 1 24 Squad 3 2 1 0 5 3
  2016 8th 3 0 0 3 0 19 Squad 3 2 0 1 6 3
    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

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Pacific Games record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
  1963 Did not enter
  1966
  1969
  1971
  1975
  1979 Group stage 10th 3 0 0 3 3 19
  1983 Quarter-finals 6th 4 1 1 2 7 8
  1987 Did not enter
  1991
  1995
  2003
  2007 Group stage 5th 4 2 0 2 9 8
  2011 Did not enter
  2015 N/A – tournament was U23
  2019 Group stage 8th 4 1 0 3 3 22
  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

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As of 15 November 2024[13]

Team Pld W D L GF GA GD WPCT
  American Samoa 12 12 0 0 56 5 +51 100.00
  Australia 1 0 0 1 0 11 −11 0.00
  Chinese Taipei 1 0 0 1 0 5 −5 0.00
  Cook Islands 7 3 1 3 9 9 0 42.86
  Fiji 6 0 0 6 3 31 −28 0.00
  Guam 1 0 0 1 2 4 −2 0.00
  New Caledonia 4 0 0 4 0 29 −29 0.00
  New Zealand 2 0 0 2 0 19 −19 0.00
  Papua New Guinea 6 0 0 6 5 28 −23 0.00
  Solomon Islands 4 0 0 4 0 21 −21 0.00
  Tahiti 10 0 0 10 4 50 −46 0.00
  Tonga 13 8 3 2 27 11 +16 61.54
  Tuvalu 1 0 0 1 0 3 −3 0.00
  Vanuatu 6 0 0 6 2 40 −38 0.00
  Wallis and Futuna 2 0 0 2 2 5 −3 0.00
Total 76 23 4 49 110 271 −161 30.26

Includes results as Western Samoa.

Historical kits

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References

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  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 19 December 2024. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
  2. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 16 December 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  3. ^ "Samoa Football Shirts". OldFootballShirts.com. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2020.
  4. ^ "American Samoa vs Samoa". Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  5. ^ "American Samoa vs Samoa". Oceania Football Confederation. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  6. ^ "Tonga vs Samoa". Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  7. ^ "Tonga vs Samoa". Oceania Football Confederation. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  8. ^ "Vanuatu vs Samoa". Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  9. ^ "Samoa vs Tahiti". Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  10. ^ "Samoa vs New Zealand". Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  11. ^ "Samoa Squad". Friends of Football. 12 June 2024.
  12. ^ "Samoa". National Football Teams.
  13. ^ "World Football Elo Ratings: Samoa". Elo Ratings. Archived from the original on 20 January 2018. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
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