Morocco’s U-17 national team etched their name into football history on Sunday after annihilating New Caledonia 16–0 in Doha, the biggest victory margin ever recorded at a FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The incredible result not only shattered a 28-year-old record (Spain’s 13–0 win over New Zealand in 1997) but also reignited Morocco’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage after back-to-back defeats to Japan and Portugal.
Under coach Nabil Baha, the young Atlas Lions delivered a flawless attacking performance that showcased the strength of Morocco’s fast-rising football academy system. From start to finish, it was a complete show of dominance, precision, and hunger to restore pride.
Bilal Soukrat opened the floodgates just three minutes into the encounter, before Walid Ibn Salah doubled the lead in the 11th minute and added another seven minutes later. The goals came in waves as Morocco’s relentless pressing and quick transitions left New Caledonia overwhelmed.
Before the halftime whistle, Abdelali Eddaoudi bagged a brace, while Ilyas Hidaoui and Zyad Baha each joined the scoring party, giving Morocco a commanding 7–0 lead at the break.
The second half brought no mercy. Morocco continued to swarm forward with unrelenting energy. Zakari El Khalfioui made it 8–0 in the 49th minute, followed swiftly by goals from Zyad Baha, Nassim Haddani, and Abdellah Ouazane, who later netted twice after coming off the bench. Ilyas El Aoud also found the target before an own goal by Andrew Steevy sealed the record-smashing 16–0 victory.
In total, ten Moroccan players contributed to the scoring frenzy, a testament to the team’s depth and tactical flexibility.
The one-sided match took a dramatic turn midway through the first half when New Caledonia’s Typhan Dreuko and Jean Canehmez were both sent off in quick succession. Already 3–0 down, the double dismissal turned a difficult night into a nightmare for the Oceania side.
For Morocco, the win was more than a rebound, it was a statement of intent. After losing their first two group matches 2–0 apiece, the young Atlas Lions needed a miracle to stay alive in the tournament. Now, with their goal difference swinging from –8 to +8, Morocco suddenly find themselves in strong contention to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Coach Baha praised his players for their composure and professionalism despite the heavy pressure heading into the match.
“We told them to play for pride and for the badge,” Baha said. “They responded like true champions. This victory is for Moroccan football, for every academy and every young boy dreaming big.”
One of the standout performers, Abdellah Ouazane, who made headlines last summer for a failed move from Ajax to Real Madrid, turned the game into his personal showcase. Introduced in the 63rd minute, the forward scored twice and provided an assist in under half an hour.
For New Caledonia, it was a painful end to a difficult campaign. After conceding 19 goals in earlier group matches, including heavy losses to England (10–0) and Brazil (9–0), Sunday’s defeat sealed their elimination and left them with one point from a goalless draw against Japan.
As the tournament enters its decisive stage, Morocco’s record-breaking performance will go down as one of the most memorable nights in youth football history, a testament to Africa’s growing strength at the global stage and a reminder that, in football, dreams can be rebuilt in 90 minutes.