The Polynesian chain of islands who in 2001 lost 31-0 to Australia — the heaviest defeat recorded in international soccer — famously beat Tonga 2-1 in the first round.
They next play the Cook Islands knowing a win would put them in a strong position to emerge from their four-team group.
“This is going to be part of soccer history, just like the 31-nothing against Australia was part of history,” American Samoa coach Thomas Rongen said after they beat Tonga.
“I’m so proud of the players. We’ve got two more games to play; maybe we have a chance to do something special here beyond this one game.
American Samoa are 204th in FIFA’s world rankings, sharing bottom spot with Andorra, Montserrat, Samoa and San Marino.