One of two nations competing on the world stage for the first time, nobody will experience a more challenging journey to Düsseldorf than American Samoa. Multiple layovers and time zone changes will consume a distance of more than 10,000 miles.

But the commitment to participate alongside the world’s best will be worth it.

From Motu o Fiafiaga – the Islands of Paradise – arrives a team that came out of nowhere last year to beat New Zealand twice in the group stages of the Oceania continental tournament in Ningbo and finish in second place behind Australia. A 41-34 victory over China in the Bronze Medal Game of the combined Asia-Oceania competition secured this summer’s berth in Germany.

There are less than a million American Samoans living around the world and the 47,000 population on the remote island in the South Pacific includes Fijians and Tongans, further limiting the talent pool from which the national team can draw. This proud nation has produced an array of NFL players, among the most prominent Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell, and while the majority are linemen, a new generation is gravitating towards flag football on an island consumed by tackle football.

American Samoa might be an outsider to claim gold in Düsseldorf or to secure a high enough placing to qualify for LA28, but their ultimate goal is to navigate the necessary path to take them to the Olympics Games two years from now.

In Opposition in Düsseldorf

The road to success will be a tough one. Group A matches American Samoa with defending IFAF world champion and world number one the United States, a comparatively familiar opponent in eighth seed Australia, and number nine ranked Israel. They have never faced USA or Israel in prior competitions.

Australia is a different story. At the 2025 IFAF Asia-Oceania Flag tournament in Ningbo, the Aussies were 24-18 and 41-12 victors in the Oceania competition on their way to winning the continental double.

Players to Watch

Tai Tiedemann, quarterback / wide receiver / defensive back

IFAF World Championships Pedigree

American Samoa will play at the IFAF Flag Football World Championships for the first time.

The Coach

The mindset of head coach Sterling Carvalho at the IFAF 2025 Asia-Oceania continental championships was that American Samoa were there to compete. In his nation’s first foray into IFAF competition they did just that as Carvalho guided the island nation to victory over China to clinch a debut place at this summer’s IFAF World Flag 2026.

In Preparation

American Samoa has been conducting regular training camps, combining experienced tackle football athletes with emerging flag football talent.

The inaugural Olympic 5-on-5 Flag Football National Championships took place in May and served as a major evaluation opportunity for final national team selections. The championships played an important role in identifying standout athletes and helping shape the final roster heading into IFAF World Flag preparation.