Cremaschi hat trick headlines dominant 9-1 win over New Caledonia as USA surge to top of Group E. France next in key qualifying clash.
The United States U-20 men’s national team kicked off the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in spectacular fashion, overwhelming tournament debutants New Caledonia 9-1 at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, Chile. Captain Benjamin Cremaschi led the way with a first-half hat trick and two assists, becoming just the third U.S. player to score three in a single U-20 World Cup match. The 9-1 scoreline is the largest margin of victory and highest single-game goal total ever for a US men’s team at this level.
The American blitz started almost instantly: Cremaschi scored in the 2nd and 4th minutes to put the U.S. up 2-0. Niko Tsakiris added a header in the 7th, then Frankie Westfield and Nolan Norris extended the lead before Cremaschi completed his hat trick in the 37th minute. Norris notched his second just before halftime, making it 7-0 at the break. In the second half, Taha Habroune and Cole Campbell rounded out the US scoring, while New Caledonia’s Antoine Simane took advantage of a defensive error to net a consolation goal—New Caledonia’s first ever at a U-20 World Cup.
Six different Americans found the net in a ruthless display, with the US attack consistently breaking down New Caledonia’s debut defense via wide play and set pieces. The result propelled the USA to the top of Group E on goal difference ahead of Thursday’s showdown with France, who edged South Africa 2-1 in their opener.
The U.S. can book early passage to the knockouts with a win over France, a pivotal matchup for Marko Mitrović’s young squad that features Major League Soccer talent and a smattering of rising prospects from Europe’s top clubs. In a competition long known as a springboard for future USMNT stars, the current group made a statement in their opening night, blending intensity, technical quality, and ruthless finishing in Chile.
What’s next: USA vs France: Thursday, Oct. 2, 4 p.m. ET / Final US group match: vs South Africa, Sunday, Oct. 5, 4 p.m. ET.
CREDITS:
Director: Alejandro Bernal
Text: Sathya Sansó Amado
