United States Set World Cup Record with 17-0 Win Over Samoa
The United States opened their World Cup campaign with a 17-0 victory over Samoa on Monday, setting a new record for the biggest winning margin in an 11-a-side FIFA World Cup finals match. The result moved beyond Morocco’s 16-0 win against New Caledonia at the boys’ Under-17 World Cup and gave Ciara Crinion’s side an emphatic start in Morocco.
What changed for the United States
The Americans were in control from the opening stages, reaching half-time 9-0 ahead and finishing the match with 58 attempts. Ten different United States players scored, underlining the scale of the team performance.
DiMaria produced the standout individual display, scoring six times after opening her account in the 63rd minute. The North Carolina commit became the first player to score six goals in a FIFA finals match since Erling Haaland struck nine at the Under-20 Men’s World Cup.
“That means everything; he’s an inspiration,” DiMaria said of Haaland’s record. “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.”
- DiMaria scored six goals.
- Carolina Reyna scored twice.
- Loradana Paletta also scored twice.
- Samoa goalkeeper Susahna Peacock made 13 saves.
Crinion said she had not known during the game that her team were setting a record, but praised the players after the final whistle. “I’m super proud of this group and it’s nice that they have something like that behind their name,” she said.
Competition context
The tournament has expanded from 16 teams to 24, a change intended to support youth development across more nations. The larger field has brought additional debutant teams into the finals, while also creating a greater possibility of heavily one-sided group matches.
For the United States, the opening result provides both three points and a substantial goal-difference advantage. Samoa, despite Peacock’s 13 saves, were unable to contain an American side that sustained pressure throughout the contest.
What is scheduled next
The United States return to group-stage action on Thursday against Kenya. Kenya began their campaign with a 3-0 defeat to China, leaving them in need of a response when they face the record-setting Americans in Morocco.
