2025 FIFA U17 World Cup: Morocco coach Nabil Baha reveals why his side thrashed New Caledonia 16-0

Morocco U17 head coach Nabil Baha has explained the motivation behind his team’s relentless performance in their historic 16-0 victory over New Caledonia at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup.

Speaking after the match, Baha revealed that the team’s main objective was to improve their goal difference to boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

“We thank the Moroccan fans who came to support us, even though they were hard on us after the Portugal loss. It was important to score many goals to improve our goal difference. We had to win, we had nothing to lose,” aha said.

Morocco went into the clash with a -8 goal difference following defeats to Japan (2-0) and Portugal (6-0). With only the best third-placed teams progressing, the Atlas Cubs needed a massive result, and they delivered in emphatic fashion.

Their 16-0 triumph now stands as the biggest win in FIFA U17 World Cup history.

Baha admitted that New Caledonia were not as strong as their previous opponents but stressed that focus and execution were key.

“Let’s be honest, they were easier. But we needed to score a lot. Now we’re at +8, and that could make the difference,” he noted.

The coach also highlighted a renewed mindset within his squad.

“We were under pressure in the first two games. But today, we played freely. The players were happy, and that’s what we want,” he said.

Following the record-breaking win, Morocco’s place in the Round of 16 was officially confirmed after Costa Rica lost to Croatia and the UAE were defeated by Senegal in Group C.

Both sides ended with one point, while Morocco’s three points and superior goal difference secured their progression.

The Atlas Cubs also finished ahead of Tunisia, who placed third in Group D with a goal difference of +3, ensuring Morocco’s qualification without having to wait for results from other groups.