Samoa Set for Baptism of Fire Against World Powers in Historic World Cup Debut

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Samoa’s women’s football program will make history this October after being drawn against three global powerhouses for their inaugural FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance. The Pacific Island nation learned their fate during Thursday’s official draw at Mohammed VI Football Academy, landing in Group D with Olympic champions Canada (#7 FIFA rank), European giants France (#3), and African champions Nigeria (#1 in CAF rankings).

The expanded 24-team tournament—the first FIFA women’s competition hosted in Africa—will run from October 17 to November 8 across four Moroccan cities. For Samoa, who qualified as OFC runners-up behind New Zealand, the draw presents both a monumental challenge and unprecedented opportunity.

Tournament Context

• First 24-team U-17 WWC (previously 16 teams)

• Historic African hosting for any FIFA women’s tournament

• OFC representation doubled with both Samoa and New Zealand qualifying

Group D Analysis

1. Canada

   • Style: Physical, structured 4-3-3

   • Key Player: Jessie Fleming (Olympic gold medalist)

   • Recent: 2023 CONCACAF U-17 champions

2. France

   • Style: Technical 4-2-3-1 with high press

   • Key Player: Melchie Dumornay (Olympique Lyonnais)

   • Recent: 2023 UEFA U-17 runners-up

3. Nigeria

   • Style: Fast-paced 4-4-2 with wing play

   • Key Player: Opeyemi Ajakaye (2022 CAF U-17 MVP)

   • Recent: Back-to-back African U-17 titles

Samoa’s Pathway
The young Manumea earned their place through:

• Memorable 5-0 win over Tahiti in qualifiers

• Gritty 1-0 defeat to New Zealand in OFC final

• Development through OFC’s “Just Play” grassroots program

“This is bigger than football,” said OFC president Lambert Maltock. “These girls are carrying the dreams of every Pacific Islander.”