Canada emerged victorious over France with a 2-1 scoreline in the FIFA Women’s under-17 World Cup, securing the top spot in Group D through their third consecutive triumph. Melisa Kekic found the net for Canada, propelling them to a 1-0 lead by halftime at the Football Academy Mohammed VI in Salé, Morocco. A second-half own goal by French defender Oceane Moreau Tranchant extended Canada’s advantage before Lea Morissaint narrowed the margin to 2-1 in the 63rd minute.
The Canadian victory was overshadowed by substitute Reed Tingley’s expulsion in the 86th minute. Tingley, who played a pivotal role in setting up Canada’s second goal, received her marching orders after receiving a second yellow card from referee Lara Lee for impeding a French player during a throw-in attempt. Earlier in the game, Tingley had been booked in the 64th minute for a foul from behind.
Prior to the match, Canada and France were tied on points but Canada held the edge in goal difference (plus-nine compared to plus-three) after securing wins against Nigeria (4-1) and Samoa (6-0). Both teams had already guaranteed their places in the knockout stage, with France requiring a victory to overtake Canada at the group’s summit.
With this triumph, Canada avoided facing Spain in the Round of 16, as Spain finished as runners-up in the 2024 edition and claimed the championship in 2018 and 2022. France, on the other hand, will square off against Spain, while Canada is set to challenge a third-place finisher from Group B, E, or F in the next stage on Wednesday.
Canada’s standout performance at the tournament includes a fourth-place finish in 2018 and quarterfinal appearances in 2008, 2012, and 2014. The opening goal came in the 14th minute when Kekic capitalized on a corner, striking from close range. Despite France’s efforts, including Stella Grondin’s close attempt in injury time, Canada’s defense held firm.
Notably, Canada accumulated five yellow cards during the match, while France received two cautions. Video review led to two yellow cards in the first half, one for Canada’s Naomi Lofthouse and the other for Grondin of France. With the introduction of the video support system, coaches are allowed two video review requests per game, retaining the request if the referee’s decision is altered.
Canada’s head coach, Jen Herst, continued to rotate the squad, implementing six changes to the starting lineup. Although Canada missed out on the 2024 FIFA U-17 tournament, they have participated in the previous seven editions, with the team securing qualification for the 2025 FIFA tournament following a successful CONCACAF qualifying campaign.
In contrast, France qualified for the tournament by reaching the semifinals at the 2025 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship, showcasing their pedigree as past winners of the FIFA U-17 tournament in 2012. The FIFA Women’s under-17 World Cup features a competitive field, with defending champion North Korea and perennial contender Spain having notable track records in the tournament.
