U.S. Women's U-17 Team Sets World Cup Record with 17-0 Win

Seventeen goals in one game sounds impossible, but the U.S. women's under-17 team just proved it's very real.

The team kicked off its 2026 World Cup campaign in Rabat, Morocco with a stunning 17-0 win over Samoa on Monday. The victory shattered the previous World Cup record of 16-0, set just last year in the men's U-17 tournament.

Ten different American players found the back of the net, showing the depth of talent on this young squad. Forward Maddie DiMaria stole the show, scoring her first goal just 63 seconds into the match and finishing with six total goals.

DiMaria's six-goal performance made her the first player ever to accomplish that feat in U-17 World Cup history. She's also the first player to score six times in any FIFA women's World Cup match at any level.

The 16-year-old drew inspiration from an unexpected source: Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland, who scored nine goals in a single U-20 World Cup match in 2019. "That means everything; he's an inspiration," DiMaria said while holding her match ball postgame.

Carolina Reyna, sister of U.S. men's national team player Gio Reyna, added two goals of her own. Seven other teammates also scored, showing this wasn't just a one-player show.

The team had already built a commanding 9-0 lead by halftime, matching Germany's 2010 record for most first-half goals in the tournament. Over the full 90 minutes, they took 58 shots, overwhelming Samoa's defense with relentless pressure.

Why This Inspires

This young team represents the future of American soccer, and they're already making their mark on the world stage. Their success shows what happens when talent meets preparation and opportunity.

Coach Ciara Crinion wasn't even aware they were breaking a record until after the match. "I'm super proud of this group and it's nice that they have something like that behind their name," she said.

These athletes are still teenagers, balancing school and sports while competing at the highest level. DiMaria credited her teammates for finding her in the right positions, showing the humility and team spirit that defines great champions.

The U.S. continues Group E play Thursday against Kenya, entering that match with renewed confidence and momentum from their historic opening performance.