In one of the most astonishing performances in FIFA U-17 World Cup history, Morocco stormed to a 16–0 victory over New Caledonia, setting a new tournament record for the biggest margin of victory and reigniting their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.
The emphatic win shattered the previous record, Spain’s 13–0 demolition of New Zealand and showcased Morocco’s attacking brilliance from start to finish in Sunday’s one-sided encounter.
Leading the charge was Abdelali Eddaoudi, who was named Player of the Match after netting twice in the first half and orchestrating Morocco’s relentless assault. He was supported by a flurry of goals from teammates Oualid Ibn Salah, Ziyad Baha, Nahel Haddani, Ismail El Aoud, and Abdellah Ouazane, each bagging a brace as New Caledonia simply couldn’t cope.
The Pacific islanders’ misery deepened early on when Typhan Dreuko and Jean Canehmez were both shown red cards, reducing them to nine men before halftime, a fatal blow against a Moroccan side already in full control.
By the final whistle, the Atlas Cubs had rewritten history books and reignited their campaign, finishing third in Group B behind Japan and Portugal. They now await the outcome of other group games to determine whether they advance as one of the best third-placed teams into the Round of 32.
For Morocco, this wasn’t just a victory, it was a statement: the North Africans have arrived, and they’re not here to make up the numbers.
