U-17 Women's still talitonu they can do better in their second World Cup appearance Football

With the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup just two days away, the Samoa U-17 Women's National Team is entering the final stages of preparation with one thing firmly in their hearts talitonu, the belief that they can do better. For Samoa, this World Cup represents another significant milestone for women's football.

Following their debut on the global stage in 2025, the U-17 Women's team will return to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup this year, giving a new generation of young Samoan players another opportunity to compete among the best in the world. For Head Coach Juan, the achievement is about much more than simply qualifying for another World Cup.

"It is still a very special moment for our country, and we are proud to be returning to the world stage - which is a massive accomplishment by the team, the country and the federation." The journey to this point has been built over time. The core of the squad has been together since 2024, developing through training camps and international competitions while gaining valuable experience along the way.

That continuity has allowed the players to grow together, both on and off the field. "Our preparation has been steady, committed, and full of purpose," Juan said.

"The girls have put in a huge amount of work, and you can feel their growth every time we get together."

Now, with the tournament approaching, the focus has shifted towards refining the details and ensuring the players are physically and mentally ready for the challenge ahead.

The message from the coaching staff is clear: stayconnected,stayconfidentandbelieve. "At this stage, it's about clarity, belief (talitonu!), and making sure the girls feel prepared for the level they're about to face." That belief will be tested immediately, with Samoa set to face the United States in their opening match - a formidable opponent and one of the leading teams in the world.

But rather than allowing the reputation of their opponents to define them, the Samoan side is embracing the opportunity. "We need to believe in ourselves and believe that we belong on the world stage and the work that got us there.

While the World Cup will bring some of the strongest youth teams in international football together, Juan believes Samoa's greatest strength lies in something that cannot simply be measured by rankings or statistics - their identity. This squad's greatest strength is its identity."