American Sāmoa crush Cook Islands to reach round two of FIFA World Cup women's qualifier

American Sāmoa have smashed the Cook Islands, 4-0, in Rarotonga to book their spot in Round Two of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ qualifiers.

According to the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), Tuesday's victory (NZ time) at the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) Academy is a historic breakthrough for the American Sāmoans.

They have won back-to-back women's internationals and advanced from the first round of senior World Cup qualifying at any level.

Three of the four goals came in the first half, giving them a commanding lead well before halftime, the OFC reports.

Captain Alma Mana’o opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after a precise right‑flank delivery from Aaliyah Tu’ua found Morgan Patea, who volleyed home with the outside of her right foot.

Mana’o doubled the lead in the 36th minute with a long-range strike into the bottom‑left corner.

Just before halftime, Alayna Fuamatu‑Ma'afala volleyed in a delivery into the box for the third goal. Early in the second half, Mattyn Summers helped seal the win, nodding home a well‑placed cross.

For the Cook Islands, hope faded quickly despite a few attacking opportunities. The hosts never looked like overturning the deficit.

American Sāmoa completed the first round with seven goals in just two games, and now move on to Group A of Round Two in February 2026.

They will join New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, and Sāmoa.