FIFA Exclusive: Samoan pride and honour fuelling World Cup journey

Samoa beat Tonga 2-1 to clinch place in OFC qualifying second round

Coach Jess Ibrom speaks exclusively to FIFA

Englishman discusses path to becoming national team boss and World Cup ambitions

A deft, glancing extra-time header from Jefferson Faamatau proved to the decisive moment in Samoa’s do-or-die FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifier against Tonga.

The touch may have been delicate, but its consequences were colossal. The goal secured a dramatic come-from-behind victory for the Samoans – and a place in the second round of OFC qualifying.

“It was massive, absolutely massive,” coach Jess Ibrom told FIFA. “Reaching the next phase was the bare minimum for us as a country. It was really important for our credibility on the world stage. Now we can look forward to some huge games.”

Norfolk-born Ibrom has held several positions across the Oceania region over the past decade, but only took on the Samoa job in August 2024.

The 47-year-old embarked on his first overseas coaching adventure at the turn of the millennium, moving to the United States to work in youth development. He swiftly earned a reputation as an accomplished operator and has held key academy roles with the likes of Houston Dynamo, Chelsea and Wellington Phoenix. At senior level, he has been head coach of top-flight New Zealand side Tasman United and the Cook Islands national team.

Ibrom’s nomadic CV also includes a two-year spell as Samoa’s technical director between 2020 and 2022. He explained why taking the opportunity to return and lead the senior side was a no-brainer.

“This was the best decision I could ever have made,” he said. “When I was asked, I jumped at it. The chance to lead Samoa through a World Cup qualifying campaign was one I couldn’t turn down. I know the country, so it’s been an easy transition.

“Each day has been a blessing. Samoa has an amazing culture and amazing people. They’re very friendly, open and respectful. I feel very, very lucky that I get to live out this experience.”

You’ve worked in the UK, US and the Oceania region. How have those varied experiences help you develop as a coach?

I'm very fortunate to have worked in lots of different countries. I first moved to the US 24 years ago and it was the best decision. I'd recommend that to any up-and-coming coach. Just go for it, because you never know where the pathway is going to take you.

After America, I went back to the UK for a period but then I wanted to go abroad again to experience different cultures, different environments. It’s been incredible. Did I think I would end up on this path? No, but that's the beauty of football. I think I've developed a good skill set and that I can adapt to different footballing environments. You only get that experience by actually doing it and being on the ground.

Finally, what gives you confidence Samoan football is on the right path?

We have a strong president [Samuel Petaia] and, throughout the federation, we have a shared vision. The president wanted to implement this vision a few years ago. He understood that to gain greater credibility on the global stage, we needed to be competing internationally across all age groups. We do that now. Within the federation, it's a real collective effort. We’ve all got a common goal. We want Samoa to progress and compete at a much higher level.

Pictures courtesy of OFC

Story by FIFA Media