American Sāmoa make history as Cook Islands XI set up high-stakes FIFA World Cup playoff

American Sāmoa and the Cook Islands will meet on Tuesday, New Zealand Time, in Rarotonga with a huge prize on the line, a spot in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania qualifiers.

The winner will join New Zealand, Sāmoa and the Solomon Islands in Group A for the main qualifying tournament in Honiara in February/March 2026.

American Sāmoa grabbed the headline result of the weekend, beating Tonga 3-0 at the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) Academy to claim their first-ever win in a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier. Their last attempt was in 1998.

According to an Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) report, Player of the Match, Cassidy Pamela Drago, scored twice and led her team, made up mostly of American-based players who had not played much international football this year.

American Sāmoa controlled the match early. They created several chances, forcing Tongan goalkeeper Carollyne Fotu into constant action. Drago had a header cleared off the line, and Alayna Fuamatu-Ma’afala was denied in a one-on-one.

The breakthrough finally came in first-half stoppage time. Mattyn Summers sped down the right side and crossed low into the box, where Drago smashed the ball into the top of the net.

Tearoa Rouru celebrates after firing home the decisive late goal that sent the Cook Islands into Tuesday’s playoff against American Sāmoa. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek

It was American Sāmoa’s first goal ever in a Women’s World Cup qualifier, according to the OFC report.

Tonga, the highest-ranked side entering the first stage of the qualifiers, struggled to respond. Their best moment came right after the goal, but Anaiyah Tu’ua cleared a shot off the line.

American Sāmoa, coached by former United States international Amanda Cromwell, stayed solid in the second half and never lost control.

American Sāmoa players celebrate their first-ever Women’s World Cup qualifying win after beating Tonga 3-0 in Rarotonga. Photo/OFC Media

Drago made it 2–0 in the 76th minute with a clean finish into the bottom corner. Aaliyah Tu’ua added the final goal deep in injury time.

Tonga will stay in Rarotonga to play a friendly against Tahiti on Tuesday.

Cook Islands snatch late winner to advance

The Cook Islands kept their qualifying hopes alive with a tough 1–0 win over Tahiti.

Tahiti dominated most of the match, keeping Cook Islands goalkeeper Rianna Pepe busy. Pepe produced several important saves as Tahiti pushed forward through Kiani Wong, Charlotte Rodriguez and Haranui Le Gayic.

The Cook Islands relied on a compact defence and quick counterattacks. Ally Toailoa and Deja Pareta worked hard in midfield, while Rouru (Daniella Casey Poila) kept pushing for openings upfront.

With rain falling and the game getting tense, the winner finally came in the 79th minute. A long-range strike from Hetherington was deflected, and Rouru reacted fastest, firing the rebound into the net.

The teams had drawn 1-1 when they met at this year’s OFC Women’s Nations Cup, but the Cook Islands showed more calm under pressure this time.

Tuesday’s playoff between American Sāmoa and the Cook Islands will decide who advances to the next stage of World Cup qualifying and who gets to chase the dream in the Solomon Islands next year.