United States Routs Samoa 17-0 in U-17 World Cup
The U.S. women's team achieved the largest margin of victory in FIFA World Cup history.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Soccer
The United States U-17 women's national soccer team secured a historic 17-0 victory against Samoa in a FIFA World Cup group stage match. This result marks the largest margin of victory in any match in tournament history.
Why it matters
The lopsided win demonstrates the dominant offensive capacity of the United States team during the group stage in Morocco. Ten different players scored during the contest, highlighting the depth of the roster.
Maddie DiMaria set a record for the most goals scored by a U.S. player in a single match with six, while 10 different teammates also recorded goals. Loradana Paletta contributed two goals and three assists in her international debut.
The players
Maddie DiMaria
Maddie DiMaria is a rising forward who set a record for the most goals scored by a U.S. player in a single international match.
Loradana Paletta
Loradana Paletta is a 15-year-old player from Syosset, New York, who made her successful international debut in the match against Samoa.
The details
Maddie DiMaria led the scoring barrage with six goals, while debutant Loradana Paletta netted two goals and recorded three assists. Paletta secured her goals in the 25th and 37th minutes before being substituted in the 73rd minute.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: The U.S. played Samoa in the World Cup.
October 22, 2026: The United States plays Kenya.
Season Trajectory
This record-breaking win shifts the group stage dynamic by establishing the United States as a dominant offensive force in the tournament. The lopsided performance provides significant goal-difference momentum heading into the upcoming match against Kenya.
The 17-0 result heavily bolsters the United States' goal differential, which serves as a primary tiebreaker for advancement in the group stage. Fans tracking the standings should note that this outcome provides a significant mathematical advantage over other teams in the group.
The takeaway
The historic performance highlights the depth of the current U.S. youth squad and their offensive potential. Maintaining this intensity will be critical for the team as they face Kenya in the next round of group play.
What happens next
The United States is scheduled to play its next Group Stage match against Kenya on October 22, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the tournament, visit Soccer.
