Morocco U17 Maul New Caledonia 16‑0 to Set World Cup Record

Morocco’s under-17 team made history at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 on Sunday, defeating New Caledonia 16‑0 in what is now the largest victory in the tournament’s history.

The match, played at the Aspire Zone in Doha, showcased Morocco’s dominance and offensive firepower, leaving fans and pundits stunned.

Morocco opened the scoring early with Bilal Soukrat finding the net in the 3rd minute. Oualid Ibn Salah quickly added two more goals by the 18th minute, establishing a 3‑0 lead. The game took a dramatic turn when New Caledonia was reduced to nine men before halftime after Typhan Dreuko and Jean Canehmez received red cards. Morocco capitalised on the numerical advantage, racking up seven goals by the break.

The second half saw Morocco maintain relentless pressure. Abdelali Eddaoudi and Ismail El Aoud each scored braces, while Abdellah Ouazane capped the scoring in stoppage time, sealing the 16‑0 rout.

The victory surpasses the previous U-17 World Cup record of 13‑0, set by Spain against New Zealand in 1997.

Despite the historic win, Morocco’s advancement to the knockout stage is not yet guaranteed. They finished behind Portugal and Japan in their group and must wait to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

The result highlights Morocco’s attacking prowess at youth level and underscores the impact of discipline on the pitch, as New Caledonia’s red cards compounded their difficulties.

Football analysts suggest that while Morocco’s performance will be remembered for its record-breaking margin, it also serves as a reminder of the fine line between preparation, discipline, and opportunity in international tournaments.

Morocco’s triumph will be celebrated as a landmark moment in youth football history, inspiring a new generation of players while setting a high benchmark for future U-17 World Cup competitions.