France down Chile as Czechia and Ireland clinch impressive victories

Canada seal win over Uganda with stoppage time penalty as Mali impress Doha, Qatar: Last edition s runners up France opened their FIFA U 17 World C...

Canada seal win over Uganda with stoppage-time penalty as Mali impress

Doha, Qatar: Last edition’s runners-up France opened their FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 campaign with a 2-0 win over Chile, while Czechia thrashed Tajikistan 6-1 and Ireland overpowered Panama 4-1 in their opening matches.

An action-packed day at Aspire Zone’s Competition Complex yesterday also saw Marius Aiyenero’s stoppage-time penalty secure Canada a 2-1 comeback victory over Uganda, while Mali enjoyed a dream start with a commanding 3-0 win over New Zealand.

France and Chile played a cagey first half in their Group K match before Les Bleus struck twice to seal victory at Mansour Muftah Pitch.

Christ Batola broke the deadlock with a clinical free-kick from 10 yards outside the box in the 55th minute. France doubled their lead eight minutes later when Remi Himbert headed in from another set-piece.