American Samoa’s Women’s World Cup fairytale takes them from ‘underdog to dark horse’

The American Samoa women's football team's journey has been remarkable, marked by unexpected achievements. They qualified for the final round of World Cup qualification after experiencing a significant defeat in 1998. Ranked 153rd, they are one of the lowest-ranked teams globally, facing limited resources. The team hails from an island with a small population, yet their dedication is immense. Captain Alma Mana’o emphasizes the importance of family, a core value within the team. Many sisters play together, fostering a strong bond and mutual support. The Mana’o family holds a record for participation in FIFA events, highlighting their commitment. Winning isn't the only goal; building a powerful family unit is also treasured. This extract is from Moving the Goalposts, a free email newsletter about women's football.