Canadian women down France to top Group D at FIFA U-17 World Cup in Morocco

Canada has successfully advanced to the knockout stage of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup by finishing atop Group D with three consecutive wins. Their victories included a 4-1 win over Nigeria, a 6-0 defeat of Samoa, and a crucial 2-1 triumph against France in their final group match on Saturday, October 25, 2025, held at the Football Academy Mohammed VI in Salé, Morocco.

In the match against France, Canada took an early lead with Melisa Kekic scoring in the 14th minute from close range after a corner kick. They extended their advantage in the second half when French defender Oceane Moreau Tranchant conceded an own goal in the 53rd minute, following a low cross from Canadian substitute Reed Tingley. France managed to reduce the deficit to 2-1 in the 63rd minute with a goal from Lea Morissaint, but Canada held on for the win despite a late rally from the French side.

The Canadian victory was marred by Reed Tingley's sending off in the 86th minute, as she received a second yellow card from referee Lara Lee for obstructing a French player during a throw-in. Tingley, who had assisted Canada's second goal and entered the game at the start of the second half, had previously been booked in the 64th minute for a tackle from behind, leading to her dismissal.

By winning Group D, Canada avoided a round-of-16 match against Spain, the 2024 runner-up and previous champion, and will instead face a third-place finisher from Group B, E, or F on Wednesday. France, finishing second in the group with a 2-1-0 record, will proceed to play Spain. Canada's performance in this tournament marks an improvement, with their best historical showing being fourth place in 2018, and they have previously reached the quarterfinals in 2008, 2012, and 2014.