Tag: American Samoa

Rongen returns for sequel as American Samoa head coach

Could there be a “Next Goal Wins” sequel on the way?

Will “Next Goal Wins” be followed by a sequel?

It could happen now that Thomas Rongen has returned for another go-round as head coach of American Samoa men’s national team.

Rongen’s previous time in charge was immortalized in the 2023 film from director Taika Waititi, which starred Michael Fassbender as the Dutch manager. Waititi was inspired to make the movie after watching a 2014 documentary by the same name.

When Rongen took over American Samoa in 2011, the team was known as one of the world’s worst, still stinging from an infamous 31-0 loss against Australia in 2001.

Rongen, who had previously coached multiple MLS teams and the United States under-20 side, would lead American Samoa to its first FIFA-recognized victory against Tonga in a World Cup qualifier in November 2011.

The 67-year-old now returns 13 years after he departed his position, with American Samoa set to embark on 2026 World Cup qualifying through Oceania.

Rongen’s side will face Samoa on September 6, with the winner facing either Cook Islands or Tonga three days later. The winner of that match will advance to the second round of qualification.

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Taika Waititi’s movie about Thomas Rongen and American Samoa is coming out in April

The movie stars Michael Fassbender and Elisabeth Moss, among others

Taika Waititi’s upcoming movie about Thomas Rongen’s exploits coaching the American Samoa national team, called “Next Goal Wins,” has been given a release date of April 21, 2023.

The movie stars Michael Fassbender as Rongen, who took over as head coach of American Samoa in 2011. The country at the time was considered one of the worst national teams in the world, having famously lost 31-0 against Australia in 2001.

Waititi’s “Next Goal Wins” is based on a 2014 documentary of the same name.

Rongen, who had previously coached several MLS teams and the U.S. Under-20 national team, helped lead American Samoa to its first ever victory, against Tonga in a World Cup qualifier in November 2011.

Waititi is best known as the director of projects like “What We Do In The Shadows,” “Jojo Rabbit,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” and, most recently, “Thor: Love and Thunder.”

“Next Goal Wins” will co-star Elisabeth Moss, Kaimana, Beulah Koale, Rachel House, Uli Latukefu, Rhys Darby, and Will Arnett.

The movie had been delayed after Arnett replaced Armie Hammer in the cast, following a series of allegations against Hammer.

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