In one of the most stunning displays in youth football history, Morocco's U17 team, the Atlas Cubs, didn't just win—they rewrote the record books.
On Sunday, November 9, 2025, the team faced New Caledonia in their final group stage match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Doha. After two difficult losses, the team needed a miracle to stay in the tournament. They delivered one, winning 16-0 and securing their place in football history.
Quick Links: Inside the Record-Breaking Win
1. The Biggest Win in U-17 World Cup History
The 16-0 scoreline is not a typo. It officially breaks the previous record for the largest margin of victory at a FIFA U-17 World Cup. The long-standing record was a 13-0 win by Spain over New Zealand, set all the way back in 1997.
This victory is a testament to the growing strength and depth of Morocco's youth football program, following in the footsteps of the senior team's World Cup success and the recent AFCON U23 victory. The future of Moroccan football is incredibly bright.
2. What Happened in the Match?
From the opening whistle, Morocco was dominant. The team, coached by Nabil Baha, was already leading 3-0 when New Caledonia received two red cards in the first half, leaving them with just nine players.
The Atlas Cubs did not let up. By halftime, the score was 7-0. The goals continued in the second half, showcasing the team's relentless attack and technical skill. In total, an incredible 10 different Moroccan players scored a goal.
A True Team Effort
- While 10 players scored, six players scored braces (two goals each): Oualid Ibn Salah, Abdelali Eddaoudi, Ziyad Baha, Nahel Haddani, Abdellah Ouazane, and Ismail El Aoud.
- The performance demonstrated a complete team effort, with players contributing from all positions.
3. What This Means for the Atlas Cubs
This historic victory was about more than just the record. After losing their first two group games to Japan and Portugal, Morocco was in a difficult position and needed this massive win to boost their goal difference.
By finishing third in their group with a strong positive goal difference (+8), the Atlas Cubs have given themselves an excellent chance to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams. The nation now watches and waits for the final results from other groups to confirm their spot in the next round.
A Day to Remember
This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. The Morocco U17 team has shown their resilience, quality, and spirit on the world stage. It's a performance that will be remembered for decades and gives fans a very bright glimpse of the future of Moroccan football.
What a performance by the young Atlas Cubs!