Morocco made history at the FIFA U-17 World Cup on Sunday after thrashing New Caledonia 16–0 in their final group-stage match at Aspire Academy Pitch 1 in Doha, Qatar, setting a new record for the biggest winning margin in the tournament’s history.
The Atlas Cubs wasted no time asserting dominance, with Bilal Soukrat opening the scoring in the third minute. Oualid Ibn Salah added a quick brace in the 11th and 18th minutes as Morocco raced to a commanding early lead.
New Caledonia’s hopes of recovery were dashed when Typhan Dreuko was sent off in the 23rd minute, followed by a second red card for Jean Canehmez eight minutes later. Coach Abdelhamid Baha used FIFA’s new green card system to challenge the second dismissal, but after a swift video review, the referee upheld the decision. Reduced to nine men, New Caledonia was left helpless.
Morocco capitalised ruthlessly, scoring four more before halftime. Abdelali Eddaoudi struck twice (41’, 43’), while Ilyas Hidaoui (44’) and Ziyad Baha (45+2’) also found the net, sending Morocco into the break with a 7–0 lead.
The second half was even more one-sided. Zakari El Khalfioui (48’), Ziyad Baha (50’), Nahel Haddani (56’, 60’), Abdellah Ouazane (73’), and an own goal by Steevy Andrew (76’) added to the tally before Ismail El Aoud sealed the record with goals in the 80th and 90th minutes.
Morocco finished the match with 73% possession, 25 shots, and no attempts on target conceded, in one of the most dominant displays ever seen at the youth World Cup level.
Despite their record-breaking victory, Morocco’s progression to the knockout stage remains uncertain, as they conclude Group C with three points and a +8 goal difference.
The 16–0 scoreline surpasses the previous FIFA U-17 World Cup record of 14–0, underscoring Morocco’s growing strength in youth football and positioning the North Africans as a rising power on the global stage.
