Hello, Lykkers! Some stories are too extraordinary to be confined to reality, and Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins is a testament to that.

The film, inspired by the incredible journey of the American Samoa national soccer team, walks the line between fact and fiction, blending true events with creative embellishments for an uplifting underdog tale.

From Infamy to Redemption

The real-life American Samoa soccer team gained worldwide infamy after a staggering 31-0 loss to Australia in 2001—a record-breaking defeat that marked them as the “worst team in the world.”

A decade later, their fortunes began to change with the arrival of coach Thomas Rongen, who wasn’t just tasked with winning but with helping the team score their first goal.

Rongen’s influence extended beyond tactics and training. He transformed the players’ mindset, dietary habits, and discipline, leading them to a historic 2-1 victory over Tonga during a 2011 World Cup qualifier. This triumph forms the emotional core of Next Goal Wins.

The Unstoppable Jaiyah Saelua

Jaiyah Saelua, the first openly transgender player to compete in a World Cup qualifier, shines in both the real and cinematic versions of the story. In the film, her relationship with Rongen starts rocky but evolves into mutual respect. Played by Kaimana, Jaiyah is a force to be reckoned with, tackling challenges on and off the field, including her journey with hormone treatments.

The movie captures Jaiyah’s struggles with balancing her transition and soccer. While the film portrays her halting hormone therapy before the big match, the real-life effects of treatment impacted her performance later in her career. In 2016, she temporarily paused treatment to focus on her game, ultimately returning stronger and earning the captaincy in 2019.

Fact vs. Fiction

Though the film dramatizes certain events, it includes some charming truths. For example, goalkeeper Nicky Salapu, haunted by the infamous 31-0 loss, used to play FIFA on his Xbox, ensuring Australia always lost 32-0—a therapeutic ritual that perfectly encapsulates his journey.

Other creative liberties, like Salapu being recruited from a convenience store, add humor but stray from reality. In truth, he had moved to Seattle by then, though his bond with the team remained strong.

The Joy of Victory

For Jaiyah, seeing the recreated celebration of their historic win brought back a flood of emotions. “We didn’t know how to react,” she recalls of the real moment. “People were dropping, crying, jumping—it was unforgettable.”

With Next Goal Wins, Taika Waititi delivers a heartfelt blend of comedy, inspiration, and cultural celebration, reminding us all that even the “worst team in the world” can become legends.