FIFA U-20 World Cup: USA Shatters Records in Dominant 9-1 Rout of New Caledonia

RANCAGUA, CHILE - The U.S. Under-20 Men's National Team kicked off their 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign in explosive, record-setting fashion, demolishing tournament debutants New Caledonia 9-1 in their Group E opener on Monday.

The victory marks a new U.S. record for both the most goals scored and the largest margin of victory in a U-20 World Cup match.

The scoring avalanche began almost instantly, led by a spectacular performance from U.S. captain Benjamin Cremaschi. The attacking midfielder secured a phenomenal first-half hat-trick with goals in the 2nd, 4th, and 37th minutes, becoming only the third American player to achieve the feat in U-20 World Cup history.

The U.S. went into the break with a commanding 7-0 lead, thanks to goals from Niko Tsakiris (7'), Frankie Westfield (28'), and a brace from defender Nolan Norris (35', 44').

The second half saw the Americans ease off slightly, but substitutes continued the scoring with Taha Habroune netting in the 68th minute and Cole Campbell adding the ninth in the 73rd.

The moment of the match for New Caledonia, however, came in the 70th minute when Antoine Simane scored the nation's first-ever goal at a FIFA U-20 World Cup, a historic consolation goal that temporarily cut the deficit to 8-1.

The resounding victory immediately places the U.S. atop Group E on goal differential. Their next major test comes quickly as they face tournament heavyweights France on Thursday, October 2.