Tournament debutants New Caledonia have been handed a harsh introduction to the FIFA U-20 World Cup, falling 9-1 to the United States in their Group E opener in Rancagua, Chile.

The Oceania side, featuring alongside New Zealand as the confederation’s representatives, have been outclassed by a side that has reached the quarter finals in each of the last four editions of the tournament.

The contest was effectively over inside the opening seven minutes, as the USA stormed to a 3-0 lead.

RANCAGUA, CHILE – SEPTEMBER 29: Louis Brunet of New Caledonia is challenged by Benjamin Cremaschi of USA during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 Group E match between USA and New Caledonia at Estadio El Teniente on September 29, 2025 in Rancagua, Chile. (Photo by Marcelo Hernandez – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Benjamin Cremaschi opened the scoring in the second minute and doubled the advantage just two minutes later after finding space in the box. New Caledonia had a brief sight of goal through Damien Ujicas, whose powerful strike whistled just wide, but the Americans immediately struck again, Cremaschi turning provider for Niko Tsakiris, who slotted home for 3-0.

Despite some brave saves from goalkeeper Noa Muller, including sharp stops to deny Francis Westfield and Cole Campbell, the USA kept piling on the pressure. Westfield eventually found the net with a glancing header from a corner in the 28th minute.

Tsakiris then danced through the defence to set up Nolan Norris for 5-0 in the 35th minute, before Cremaschi completed his hat-trick, becoming only the third American to achieve the feat at this level, two minutes later. Norris struck again on the stroke of half-time, capping off a devastating 7-0 opening 45 minutes.

There was a noticeable drop of intensity from the Americans after the break,, and it took until the 68th minute for substitute Taha Habroune to rifle home to make it 8-0. Two minutes later, New Caledonia finally had a moment they will never forget when Wapae Simane punished a goalkeeping error from Adam Beaudry to score their first-ever U-20 World Cup goal.

RANCAGUA, CHILE – SEPTEMBER 29: Benjamin Cremaschi of USA celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 Group E match between USA and New Caledonia at Estadio El Teniente on September 29, 2025 in Rancagua, Chile. (Photo by Marcelo Hernandez – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

That joy was short-lived as Campbell restored the eight-goal cushion with the USA’s ninth just four minutes later. New Caledonia, however, finished the match with pride, going close again when Timotei Zeter forced Beaudry into an acrobatic save from a set-piece. The US had 14 shots on target to New Caledonia’s two.

For New Caledonia, encouraged by their second half effort, the focus shifts to their next match against South Africa in three days, before concluding group play against France.

USA 9 (Benjamin Cremaschi 2’,4’ 37’, Niko TSAKIRIS 7’,Francis WESTFIELD 28’, Nolan NORRIS 35’,45’, Taha HABROUNE 68’, Cole CAMPBELL 74’,)

NEW CALEDONIA 1 (Wapae SIMANE 70’,)

 HT 7-0