AVARUA, RAROTONGA, Cook Islands - Fresno Pacific women's soccer goalkeeper Ayana Kirisimasi was part of a historical pair of matches for the American Samoa women's national team on Friday and Monday, as the South Pacific island nation and US territory won its first two World Cup qualifying matches in federation history. Additionally, the pair of wins also happen to be the first two competitive victories ever by the women's national team. With the 3-0 and 4-0 victories over Tonga and the Cook Islands, respectively, American Samoa now advances out of the first round of the Oceania Football Confederation's (OFC) qualifiers. Awaiting them in the second round are Group A opponents New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and Samoa, who will all face off in a single round-robin format between February 27th - March 5th, 2026 in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The winner and runner up from both Groups A and B will clash in April, with the winner receiving a berth in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

"I am so insanely proud of this team and super grateful to be a part of it," Kirisimasi said following Monday's victory. "The passion and grit this team has is incomparable to any team I've competed with. I feel so many emotions and I am so happy to give back to American Samoa by winning and advancing."

Despite being an unused sub in both contests, it was once-in-a-lifetime experience for Kirisimasi, whose family originates from the villages of Vatia and Viatogi on the American Samoan island of Tutuila.  For most soccer players at any level - from high school to pro - the opportunity to compete for a national team and World Cup berth is something very few will ever experience.  For the tiny island nation of American Samoa, Kirisimasi will now be part of soccer history as the only team in the nation's history to advance in a World Cup qualifying campaign.

"I am beyond proud of Ayana for her national team call up," said Roberto Hernandez, head coach of the Sunbirds women's soccer team. "She has put in hard work all season and throughout her career to be prepared for this moment. We are excited to watch her grow both for us and her country, and the experience she is getting competing on the world stage is invaluable both in soccer and life! This will be the first of many call ups."

The American Samoa women's national team is coached by Amanda Cromwell, the 55x capped USWNT player and former NCAA and NWSL coach.  The team attempted to qualify for the 1999 and 2023 Women's World Cups, but failed to either win a game or score a goal in either campaign.

"It's a huge honor to represent my country and I'm so glad I had a great group of girls, coaches, and federation around me," Kirisimasi added. "Second round here we come!"


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