Canada secured a 2-1 victory over France in the FIFA Women’s under-17 World Cup, clinching the top spot in Group D with their third consecutive win. Melisa Kekic netted a goal for Canada, taking them to a 1-0 lead at halftime in Salé, Morocco. An own goal by French defender Oceane Moreau Tranchant in the second half extended Canada’s lead. Despite a late surge from France, with Lea Morissaint scoring in the 63rd minute, they couldn’t level the game.
The game saw a dramatic moment when Canadian substitute Reed Tingley was sent off in the 86th minute. Tingley, who played a role in setting up Canada’s second goal, received a second yellow card from referee Lara Lee for impeding a French player during a throw-in. Tingley had earlier received a yellow card in the 64th minute for a tackle.
Canada’s victory meant they finished tied on points with France but ahead on goal difference, having previously defeated Nigeria 4-1 and Samoa 6-0. Both teams had already secured spots in the knockout stage. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-place teams, will advance to the Round of 16 in the 24-team tournament running until Nov. 8.
By winning the group, Canada avoided facing Spain in the Round of 16. France, on the other hand, will meet Spain in their next match, while Canada will take on a third-place team from Group B, E, or F. Canada’s previous best finish in the tournament was fourth place in 2018, having reached the quarterfinals in 2008, 2012, and 2014.
The game saw Canada take the lead in the 14th minute through Kekic’s close-range goal off a corner. Despite France’s efforts, with Stella Grondin coming close in injury time but missing the target, Canada maintained their lead. Tingley played a crucial role in Canada’s second goal, which was an own goal by Moreau Tranchant.
While France outshot Canada 21-8 and had more corner kicks, their finishing lacked precision. The match saw Canada receiving five yellow cards compared to France’s two. Canada coach Jen Herst made six changes to the starting lineup, emphasizing roster rotation.
Canada has a strong history in the FIFA U-17 tournament, missing out on the 2024 edition but qualifying for the seven previous tournaments. On the other hand, France, a former tournament winner, qualified for this year’s event by reaching the semifinals in the 2025 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship.
