The United States under-17 women's national team launched its 2026 World Cup effort in historic style on Monday, overpowering Samoa by a 17-0 score in Rabat, Morocco, to claim the largest margin in World Cup history at any level.

Ten different players found the net for the U.S., eclipsing the prior mark of 16-0 set by Morocco versus New Caledonia in last year's men's under-17 event and cementing the biggest victory margin ever seen in the competition.

"I was not tracking the record at the time, yet I feel tremendous pride in this group and it is gratifying that they can claim such an achievement," U.S. coach Ciara Crinion stated in remarks shared on FIFA's site.

Forward Maddie DiMaria led the attack, striking just 63 seconds after kickoff and finishing with six goals overall. She became the first player in the tournament's history to score six times in one match and the first at any FIFA final since Norway's Erling Haaland netted nine in the 2019 under-20 World Cup.

"That achievement means everything; he serves as a true inspiration," DiMaria remarked while holding the match ball afterward. "Observing his drive and finishing instinct near the area, to follow as the next player in that lineage feels like a genuine honor. I am very fortunate that my teammates placed me in ideal positions."

DiMaria also stands as the first to score six goals in a FIFA women's World Cup match at any age group. The only prior players to reach five goals in a World Cup were Americans Michelle Akers against Chinese Taipei in 1991 and Alex Morgan versus Thailand in 2019.

The U.S. held a 9-0 advantage at the break, matching Germany's 2010 record for goals in a first half, and finished with 58 total shots. Carolina Reyna, sister of USMNT midfielder Gio Reyna, and Loradana Paletta each scored twice, while Mia Corona, Grace Murray, Amari Manning, Deus Stanislaus, Isa Ortiz, Melia Brewer and Gianna Hanf added one goal apiece.

The U.S. returns to Group E action on Thursday versus Kenya, who fell 3-0 to China PR in their opening match.

"We recognize that every contest brings its own demands, yet when facing Kenya the score begins at 0-0," Crinion noted. "The focus lies on rest and recovery before we prepare. We understand it will present a fresh test, and we will begin anew."