When victory becomes history — Morocco’s U17 redefine greatness in Qatar

09.11.25 FT World Cup U17

Morocco U17

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New Caledonia U17

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Morocco’s U17 national team wrote their name into the history books on Sunday with an astonishing 16-0 demolition of New Caledonia in their final group-stage match at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Doha.

The breathtaking performance staged at Aspire Academy Pitch 1 shattered 28 year old record for the largest win in U17 World Cup history surpassing Spain’s 13-0 triumph over New Zealand in the 1997 edition hosted in Egypt.

The result not only sent shockwaves through the tournament but also reignited Morocco’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams.

The young Atlas Lions needed big win to keep their qualification hopes alive after heavy defeats to Japan (0-2) and Portugal (0-6) and they delivered performance for the ages.

Record rewritten after 28 year

The win eclipses Spain’s long-standing 13-0 victory from 1997 making Morocco the new holders of the biggest win margin in U17 World Cup history — a record stretching back to the competition’s first edition in 1985.

It’s also Morocco’s second major milestone in recent months. Earlier this year, the first national team achieved 16 consecutive victory breaking Spain’s previous record of 15 set between 2008 & 2009.

Group D standings – FIFA U17 World Cup 2025

In Group D of the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025, Portugal finished top with 9 point and +10 goal difference followed by Japan in second place with 6 point and +5 difference.

Morocco ended third on 3 point but with strong +8 goal difference while New Caledonia came last with just 1 point and a -23 difference.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Morocco U17

New Caledonia U17

World Cup U17