Five Utah girls secure a spot in next year’s World Cup with the U16 Samoa women’s soccer team

Sep 18, 2024, 9:00 PM

The U16 Samoa women's soccer team posing for a photo together....

The U16 Samoa women's soccer team celebrates qualifying for the U17 FIFA World Cup. (OFC Media)

(OFC Media)

Former Digital Content Editor

SUVA, Fiji — The U16 Samoa women’s soccer team has become the first Samoan team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup. The team secured their place after a 2-0 victory over New Caledonia at the OFC championship semi-finals.

Five of the team’s members are from Utah: Leah Atuaia, Lahila Gali, Breanna Kitiona, Grace Taeoalii, and Cali Willis. All are age 16 or younger.

The team will be competing in the U17 FIFA World Cup hosted in Morocco next year. For now, though, the team is heading back to Salt Lake City this weekend.

This story may be updated.

Related: Utah Hockey Club kicks off its first rookie camp

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