American Samoa saw one of FIFA's biggest boosts this month, rising 17 spots after a historic breakthrough at April's Oceania World Cup Qualifiers.
The team climbed to No. 120 in the FIFA/Coco-Cola Women's World Cup Ranking, marking its highest position since 2018. This feat reflects American Samoa's semifinal appearance of the 2027 Oceania Women's World Cup Qualifiers.
The team recorded its first senior women's international victory during the qualifying run, with victories over Tonga, the Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, and Samoa. And that progress has also been building as global interest turns to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
Since August 2025, American Samoa has lept 33 spots in the FIFA rankings — a dramatic turnaround for a program that had long been at the bottom of the OFC standings.
While powerhouse programs often dominate attention during World Cup qualifying tournaments, American Samoa's path serves as a reminder of just how much sustained development can impact national team production.
The run also carried broader regional significance. New Zealand rose two spots to No. 33 after successfully qualifying for the 2027 World Cup. Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea also moved up after its own strong campaign.
