Canada blanks outmatched Samoa for second straight win at FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

SALÉ — Canada assured itself of a place in the knockout round at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a lopsided 6-0 win over tournament newcomer Samoa on Wednesday.

Daniela Feria-Estrada, captain Olivia Chisholm, Lacy Kindel, Marika Martineau and Julia Amireh scored for Canada, which outshot Samoa 43-2 (16-0 in shots on target). Canada also profited from a Samoan own goal.

The Canadians, who had 11 corners to Samoa’s two, hit the post twice and were denied many more times by Samoan goalkeeper Grace Ae.

It was one-way traffic on a sunny 25 C day at the Football Academy Mohammed VI. Canada outshot Samoa 19-1 in the first half but, facing a packed defence, only had a 4-0 edge in shots on target to lead 2-0 at the break.

The young Canadians opened Group D play Sunday with a 4-1 win over Nigeria. They wrap up group play Sunday against France, which faced Nigeria later Wednesday.

The top two teams in each of the six groups, along with the four best third-place finishers, advance to the round of 16 at the 24-team tournament that runs through Nov. 8.

Samoa lost 4-2 to France in its opener Sunday, outshot by a remarkable 71-2 (25-2 in shots on target) and had 17 corners to none for Samoa. Not surprisingly, Ae was named player of the match.

Ae was impressive again against Canada. Committed to play for Cal State Fullerton next year, the 17-year-old ‘keeper is one of 14 U.S.-based players on the Samoan squad. Three others are based in Australia and two in New Zealand.

Samoa, located in the South Pacific about halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, had a population of 208,853, as of 2024. That’s about the same as Richmond, B.C., according to the 2021 census.

Canada coach Jen Herst made eight changes to her starting lineup, with only Bridget Mutipula, Amy Medley and Chisholm retaining their places.

Five players who came on as subs against Nigeria slotted into the starting lineup, including 15-year-old Melyna Alexis and goal-scorers Melisa Kekic and Amireh. Olivia Busby was a virtual spectator in the Canadian goal.

Feria-Estrada opened the scoring from a free kick in the 14th minute, with Chisholm doubling the lead in the 26th minute with a spectacular shot from outside the penalty box that curled into the top corner.

Canada made four changes at the half, padding the lead with goals by Kindel (in the 54th minute off a fine feed by Alexis), Martineau (in the 58th off a corner), Amireh (in the 67th on a curling shot that went in off the goalpost) and an own goal by Samoa’s Mia Afoa (92nd off a corner).

Amireh, who plays for the North Carolina Courage academy, has three goals in two games.

Canada missed out on the 2024 FIFA U-17 tournament but made the seven previous editions. CONCACAF only sent two teams to the 2024 FIFA championship, with CONCACAF’s Dominican Republic hosting the tournament, and Canada finished third in qualifying after losing 2-1 to Mexico after extra time in the semifinal.

Canada’s best showing was fourth in 2018. It made the quarterfinals in 2008, 2012 and 2014.

Led by interim coach Gary Moody, the young Canadians qualified for the 2025 FIFA tournament in April, going unbeaten in topping its CONCACAF qualifying group by beating Nicaragua (5-0), Panama (2-0) and Puerto Rico (3-2).

Samoa qualified by blanking New Caledonia 2-0 in the semifinals of the 2024 OFC U-16 Women’s Championship. The Pacific islanders then lost 4-0 to New Zealand in the championship game.

Defending champion North Korea has won the FIFA U-17 title three times and finished runner-up once, while Spain has made the final four times, winning twice.

—

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2025,