USA U‑20 Crushes New Caledonia 9‑1 in World Cup Opener

• October 6, 2025
• C Badenhorst
• 1 Comments

When United States Under-20 Men's National Team rolled onto the pitch at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, Chile, on September 29, 2025, nobody could have guessed the carnage that would follow. The Americans detonated nine goals against debutants New Caledonia, delivering a 9‑1 thrashing that will live on in FIFA U‑20 World Cup lore. Benjamin Cremaschi grabbed a hat‑trick, while the whole squad set a new record for most different scorers in the first two matches of a tournament.

Why This Match Matters

New Caledonia’s appearance was historic in itself – it was the Pacific island’s first foray into any FIFA World Cup, senior or youth. For the United States, the result was more than a confidence boost; it signalled a generational shift in American soccer, with a crop of players who can score at will on the world stage. The win catapulted the USA to the top of Group E with a plus‑8 goal difference, putting them a clean sweep away from securing the group crown.

Match‑by‑Match Breakdown

The opening whistle kicked off a relentless American onslaught. Niko Tsakiris opened the floodgates in the seventh minute, threading a low drive past the New Caledonian keeper. Just minutes later Francis Westfield doubled the tally at the 28th minute. But the real fireworks began in the first half: Benjamin Cremaschi struck at 2, 4 and 37 minutes, the first two coming within a two‑minute window and both from point‑blank range.

By halftime the score read 7‑0. Nolan Norris added a brace – one in the 35th, another right before the break at 44 – while the back‑line, marshalled by goalkeeper Adam Beaudry, looked barely troubled. The second half turned more measured. Taha Habroune nudged in the 68th minute and Cole Campbell capped the night at 73. New Caledonia finally got on the scoresheet through Antoine Simane in the 70th minute – a consolation that, despite the blowout, will forever be recorded as the island’s first World Cup goal at any level.

Stars of the Show

Benjamin Cremaschi emerged as the headline act, his hat‑trick underscoring a poise rarely seen in a player under 20. In post‑match interviews, Cremaschi credited his teammates for creating space and said, “When the ball lands at my feet, I just try to make it count.” His two early goals, both from inside the six‑yard box, forced New Caledonia’s defense to scramble, opening lanes for the likes of Gozo and Zambrano‑Delgado.

Midfield dynamo Brooklyn Raines dictated tempo, linking defence to attack with crisp passes that repeatedly split the opposition line. Even though Raines didn’t score in this particular match, his work laid the groundwork for the later 3‑0 win over France, where he netted a late strike.

Goalkeeper Adam Beaudry faced a barrage of shots, but his composure was evident – he recorded seven saves and only conceded once, a testament to the defensive solidity of the back four: Norris, Wynder, Kohler and Westfield.

Reactions From Around the Globe

FIFA’s tournament director described the affair as “a master‑class performance that sets a new benchmark for attacking football at the U‑20 level.” In New Caledonia, the team’s coach admitted the defeat was painful but praised his players for “earning a place in history with that first World Cup goal.”

Back in the United States, U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati hailed the result as “the beginning of a new era for American soccer,” adding that the depth of talent bodes well for the senior national team’s future World Cup campaigns.

What This Means for Group E

After the 9‑1 rumble and a subsequent 3‑0 victory over France on October 2, the USA sits atop Group E with six points and a plus‑11 goal difference. France and South Africa are dead‑locked on three points each, while New Caledonia linger at the bottom with zero. The final group match against South Africa on October 5 will be a formality for the Americans – a draw is enough to seal first place.

Analysts note that the USA’s ability to score against varied opposition – a disciplined French side and a physically imposing South African team – signals tactical flexibility that could serve them well in the knockout stages.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Knockouts

If the USA can keep its defensive backbone intact while preserving the attacking freedom displayed in Rancagua, they’ll be a serious threat beyond the group phase. The coaching staff, led by Dave Sarachan, has already rotated the squad to keep legs fresh, a strategy that may pay dividends when they face the typically gritty South American opponents slated for the round of 16.

For New Caledonia, the focus now shifts to rebuilding. Their debut, while brutal, offered invaluable experience, and federation officials are already scouting domestic talent to bridge the gap before the next continental qualifiers.

• USA tops Group E with 6 points.
• Goal difference: +11.
• Record: nine different scorers in first two matches.
• New Caledonia’s first-ever World Cup goal by Antoine Simane.
• Final group game: USA vs South Africa, Oct 5, 4 p.m. ET (FS2/Telemundo).