Indialantic, FLORIDA — A Brevard County Florida athlete is making international headlines. Kenai Jay Palepoi Mauga, a 16-year-old soccer player from Indialantic, Florida, has been selected to represent American Samoa in the upcoming FIFA Series 2026, a global initiative designed to elevate developing national teams.

Kenai currently plays Left Midfield/ Left Center for the Indialantic Force 2009 U17 Boys Team and is a Varsity player for Melbourne High School, where he has earned recognition for his technical skill, pace, and field awareness.

He was officially selected to the American Samoa National Team in February, honoring a deep family legacy rooted in Samoan leadership and service.

A PROUD CULTURAL LEGACY

Kenai is the son of High Chief Mua’ausa Jason Mauga and the great-great-grandson of Paramount Chief Mauga Manuma of Pago Pago, who was featured in the May 1941 edition of National Geographic Magazine.

His ancestor, Palepoi Mauga, was among three paramount chiefs who signed the historic treaty that brought American Samoa under the protection of the United States in the early 1900s.

Kenai’s grandfather, Tasi Mauga, continues this tradition today serving as senior advisor to the Fono.

“This is the greatest opportunity of my life,” Kenai said. “I am proud of my heritage, and being able to represent my father and grandfather while playing soccer at a higher level is a blessing from God. I am grateful.”

AMERICAN SAMOA NATIONAL TEAM PREPARES FOR FIFA SERIES 2026

The American Samoa National Team selected Orlando, Florida as its Spring Training Camp location and has been preparing at the Orlando City Training Complex.

The team will then travel to Puerto Rico to compete in the FIFA Series 2026, an official international competition held during the March FIFA window. American Samoa will play:

•         March 25, 2026 — Opening Match
•         March 28, 2026 — Placement Match or Final

The FIFA Series is part of a global initiative requiring developing national programs to play a minimum of four international matches prior to World Cup qualification. This effort aims to strengthen smaller football nations by increasing exposure, competition, and international experience.

To build a more competitive roster, the American Samoa Football Federation has expanded recruitment to include Samoan-heritage players living abroad — a strategy that opened the door for Kenai and other young athletes across the United States.

A RISING LOCAL TALENT

Kenai’s coaches describe him as disciplined, hardworking, and deeply committed to improving his game. His selection to the national team marks a significant milestone not only for him, but also for the local soccer community.

With strong roots in Indialantic and a proud Samoan heritage, Kenai now steps onto the international stage representing both his hometown and his ancestral homeland.