Although the result brought their campaign to a difficult conclusion, New Caledonia had already made history by reaching the tournament in Poland. It was their first appearance at a FIFA women’s tournament, a landmark moment for women’s football in the Melanesian nation.
New Caledonia were placed in Group F alongside Spain, China PR and Nigeria, three nations with considerably greater experience on the international stage.
Their tournament began against China PR, who recorded a 5-0 victory. Despite the defeat, New Caledonia's players and coaching staff took pride in representing their country on the world stage for the first time. Head coach Leon Waitronyie acknowledged before the Nigeria match that the team knew the tournament would be difficult but remained proud of their historic achievement.
The second match proved even more challenging. Spain defeated New Caledonia 11-0, leaving the debutants with two defeats and 16 goals conceded without scoring.
Their final group match against Nigeria presented another daunting challenge, but New Caledonia managed to find the net for the first time in the competition.
• Nigeria: Ramotalahi Kareem 17' (pen), Rebecca Adegbemile 19', Janet Seimeyeha Akekoromowei 23', Ramotalahi Kareem 27', Winner Onajite David 60', Ramotalahi Kareem 64', Tosin Rafiu 70', Rebecca Adegbemile 74', Winner Onajite David 75', Winner Onajite David 90+4'
• New Caledonia: Joceline Kourevi 89'
Kourevi's late goal was New Caledonia's first-ever goal at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, giving their supporters a moment to celebrate despite the eventual 10-1 defeat. Nigeria's victory confirmed the Falconets' progression to the Round of 16.
New Caledonia therefore finished bottom of Group F with no points, recording three defeats, one goal scored and 26 conceded.
However, the numbers only tell part of the story.
For a country making its debut at a FIFA women's tournament, competing against established football nations such as Spain, China and Nigeria represents an important step in the development of the women's game.
The experience will provide New Caledonia with valuable exposure to elite international football and a reference point for the next generation of players.
Their campaign may have ended without a point, but New Caledonia leave Poland having made history — and, importantly, having scored their first goal on the world's biggest stage for women's youth football.