Two Samoans Shine at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Two Samoan footballers, Marko Stamenic and Michael Boxall, are making history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The pair are part of the New Zealand All Whites team.

Marko Seufatu Nikola Stamenic, a skilled midfielder, has family ties to Solosolo. He is the first Samoan and only the second New Zealand player to appear in a UEFA Champions League match after Oceania Player of the Century Wynton Rufer.

Stamenic made his senior debut for the All Whites in 2021, starting 36 of his 38 international appearances and even captaining New Zealand for the first time in an international friendly against Ecuador last year.

He currently plays for Welsh Club Swansea City AFC in the English Championship, as well as having stints with FC Copenhagen in Denmark, Red Star Belgrade in Serbia, and Olympiakos in Greece.

Born and raised in Wellington, Stamenic moved to Europe at 18 after being scouted at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

"Growing up with Pacific Island heritage, you don't always see a lot of representation at this level," Stamenic said. "To be one of only a few players here is special."

He emphasized that he is all about representing his family and culture, hoping to inspire younger Pacific Island kids to reach his level.

"Being at a World Cup is an honour in itself, and carrying that heritage with me makes it even more meaningful," he said.

Stamenic's father, Niko, passed away in October last year, and his mother, Kalala, said the achievement honoured both his Samoan and Serbian heritage.

"We know his father would be immensely proud, and Marko being here is a powerful tribute to his memory and he proudly represents his roots, his family, his father's legacy and himself," she said.

Michael Joseph Boxall, a defender of Samoan heritage, is the sixth most capped player in New Zealand history.

Boxall has 63 international caps and scored his first international goal in OFC World Cup qualifying against New Caledonia, helping New Zealand reach the tournament.

He played 276 matches in Major League Soccer, mostly with Minnesota United FC, and also played for the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Boxall represented New Zealand at the 2008 and 2024 Olympic Games.

Additionally, he played in the A-League with Wellington Phoenix and for clubs in South Africa and New Zealand.