Morocco’s U-17 national football team has etched its name in FIFA history after recording the largest victory ever at the U-17 World Cup, a remarkable 16–0 win over New Caledonia in their final Group B fixture in Doha, Qatar.
The emphatic result not only set a new tournament record but also secured Morocco’s qualification to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams across all 12 groups.
The Young Atlas Lions began their record-breaking night in explosive fashion, opening the scoring in just the third minute and continuing their relentless attack until the final whistle. Ten different players found the back of the net in what became a showcase of attacking precision and teamwork.
U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament, Abdellah Ouazane, alongside Oualid Ibn Salah, Abdelali Eddaoudi, Ziyad Baha, Nahel Haddani, and Ismail El Aoud, each scored twice. Bilal Soukrat, Ilyas Hidaoui, and Zakari El Khalfioui added one apiece, while an own goal by Steevy Andrew rounded off the unprecedented tally.
The result shattered the long-standing record set by Spain’s 13–0 win over New Zealand at the 1997 edition in Egypt, later matched by the United States in 2019. Morocco’s achievement has since been hailed across the football world, with analysts noting not just the size of the win but the composure and technical skill shown throughout the match.
Ironically, the record-breaking victory came after a shaky start to Morocco’s campaign. The team had suffered heavy defeats in its earlier games, losing 2–0 to Japan and 6–0 to Portugal, both sides that went on to qualify top of the group.
Those early setbacks left Morocco’s progression in doubt until the final round of matches, when Mexico’s 3–1 loss to Switzerland confirmed the North African side’s advancement to the knockout phase.
According to Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP), the young squad’s qualification has been received with national pride and optimism for the future. The team’s resilience in overcoming early adversity and finishing the group stage on a historic high point is being seen as a testament to the country’s growing investment in youth football development.
The 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, hosted in Qatar, features 48 teams divided into 12 groups, with the best performers moving on to the Round of 32. Alongside Morocco, powerhouses like Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, and Germany have already secured their spots, setting the stage for an exciting knockout phase.
As the tournament enters its decisive rounds, all eyes will be on the Young Atlas Lions to see if their record-breaking momentum can carry them deeper into the competition.
For now, their 16-goal triumph stands as one of the brightest moments in Morocco’s football history, a night when a young generation announced its arrival on the world stage.
