Samoa have moved on to the OFC group phase of qualifiers for the 2026 Men’s World Cup with a 2-1 extra time win over Tonga in the final match of the preliminary round. They will take part in Group B starting in OCT 2024.

Samoa opened with a 2-0 win over American Samoa in the semifinal in Apia on FRI 06 SEP 2024 to earn a place in the final. Tonga, who defeated the Cook Is 3-1 in the other semifinal, were first on the scoresheet in the final, as Ulafala SONASI finished off a through ball from Hemaloto POLOVILI in first half stoppage time.

The home side applied pressure throughout the second half, finally breaking through in the 87th minute. Luke SALISBURY’s shot rebounded off the underside of the crossbar and over the goal line, forcing extra time. In stoppage time in the first period, Jefferson FAʻAMATAU’s diving header from a free kick by Jarvis VAAL proved the winner.

Samoa move on to Group B, where they will face Vanuatu, Tahiti, and New Zealand in OCT-NOV 2024. The top two teams advance to the elimination phase, with one place at the Men’s World Cup and another in the playoffs at stake.