The US Under-17 women's team opened their World Cup campaign with a stunning 17-0 victory over Samoa, the largest winning margin in World Cup history at any age level. The match, held in Salé, Morocco, on Monday, saw ten different players score, with forward Maddie DiMaria leading the charge with six goals.
Record-Breaking Performance
The 17-0 result surpassed the previous record for the biggest win in an 11-a-side World Cup, which was Morocco's 16-0 victory over New Caledonia in the 2025 U-17 men's World Cup. The US team's dominant display included 58 shots and a 9-0 lead by halftime.
DiMaria, a 17-year-old from St. Louis committed to play at North Carolina, scored her first goal 63 minutes into the match. Her six-goal haul is the most by any player in a Women's World Cup match at any level and the most by a US player in any match. She is also the first player to score six goals in a single FIFA finals match since Erling Haaland's nine for Norway at the 2019 U-20 men's World Cup.
DiMaria's Inspiration and Humility
"That means everything; he's an inspiration," DiMaria said of Haaland. "To be the next player behind that is just such an honor. I'm super blessed to have all those girls finding me in the right places."
US coach Ciara Crinion expressed pride in her team's achievement. "I wasn't aware [we were breaking a record], but I'm super proud of this group and it's nice that they have something like that behind their name," Crinion told FIFA's website.
Key Takeaways
- 17-0 is the biggest win in World Cup history at any age level.
- Maddie DiMaria scored six goals, the most by any player in a Women's World Cup match.
- The US led 9-0 at halftime and registered 58 shots.
- Ten different players scored for the US.
- The previous record was Morocco's 16-0 win in the 2025 U-17 men's World Cup.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | USA | Samoa |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 17 | 0 |
| Shots | 58 | Unknown |
| Goalscorers | 10 players | 0 |
| Top Scorer | Maddie DiMaria (6) | None |
What This Means for the Tournament
The US team has set a high bar for the rest of the tournament. With such a dominant performance, they will be favorites to go far. However, coach Crinion will likely emphasize focus and humility as they face tougher opponents.
The record-breaking win also highlights the growing disparity in women's youth football, but it's a moment to celebrate for the US players. Carolina Reyna, younger sister of USMNT midfielder Gio Reyna, was among the scorers, adding a family connection to the story.
FAQ
What was the score of the US Under-17 women's match against Samoa?
The US won 17-0, setting a new record for the biggest win in World Cup history at any age level.
Who scored the most goals for the US?
Maddie DiMaria scored six goals, the most by any player in a Women's World Cup match at any level.
What was the previous record for the biggest World Cup win?
Morocco's 16-0 victory over New Caledonia in the 2025 U-17 men's World Cup held the record before this match.
Who is Carolina Reyna?
Carolina Reyna is a player on the US U-17 team and the younger sister of USMNT midfielder Gio Reyna.
The US team's next match will be against another opponent, and they will look to build on this momentum. For more on record-breaking performances, see how Europe won the Solheim Cup in a thrilling contest. Similarly, England's World Cup prospects have been a topic of expert analysis.
In other World Cup news, Spain's historic victory over Argentina made headlines, while Spain's World Cup win felt unique for many fans. The celebrations even featured Louis Vuitton trunks.
For a different take, England's Hindsight Trophy offers a humorous perspective. And if you're following women's rugby, Australia vs Samoa in the Women's Rugby League World Cup is live.