New Caledonia have a suffered a late collapse after holding European powerhouse France for most of the game, before losing 6-0 in their final match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

Following 9-1 and 5-0 Group E defeats to the United States and South Africa, Pierre Wajoka’s side displayed tremendous resilience before conceding four times in the final 10 minutes to inflate the final scoreline.

But it was their best performance of the tournament, and they came close to equalising in the 17th minute when Luis Brunet fired a powerful strike just wide of the post with the French goalkeeper beaten.

TALCA, CHILE – OCTOBER 05: Players of New Caledonia pose for a team photo prior to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 Group E match between New Caledonia and France at Estadio Fiscal on October 05, 2025 in Talca, Chile. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

France had earlier taken the lead in the 11th minute with a calm finish from Andrea Le Borgne. But unlike their previous two matches where Le Cagous conceded goals in quick succession, they held out until the 55th minute when the ball was squared across the goal to substitute Lucas Michal to fire home.

It took until the 82 second minute for Le Borgne to blast home his second from close range as the New Caledonians tired. Two minutes later Michal had his second, a tap in before Gabin Bernardeau scored a spectacular injury time free-kick and Le Borgne completed his hat-trick with a thunderous strike with virtually the last kick of the game.

The Oceania qualifiers exit the tournament but will head home having learned plenty from their experience in Chile.

NEW CALEDONIA 0

FRANCE 6 (Andrea LE BORGNE 11’,82’,90+3,’ Lucas MICHAL 55’,84’, Gabin BERNARDEAU 90+1’,)

HT 0-1