DOHA — Canada played France to a scoreless draw Saturday to remain unbeaten at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The young Canadians are authoring a new story at the tournament after recording a dismal 0-20-4 record in eight previous trips. Canada ended that winless run in its opening game Wednesday, rallying for a 2-1 victory over Uganda thanks to an 88th-minute goal by Elijah Roche and 98th-minute penalty by Marius Aiyenero.
Uganda (0-1-1) mounted a rally of its own earlier Saturday, drawing Chile 1-1 on a 93rd-minute goal by Derick Ssozi.
Canada (1-0-1) stands second in Group K, trailing France (1-0-1) on goal difference, and is in good position to move into the knockout round for the first time at the tournament.
A win or draw against Chile (0-1-1) on Tuesday will assure the Canadians a berth in the round of 32. Canada could still advance with a loss, depending on the score, with the top two teams in each group plus with the eight best third-placed sides qualifying for the round of 32.
“I’m proud of the boys,” said Canada coach Mike Vitulano. “We went toe-to-toe with one of the top teams in the world and showed we belong at this level. We were ready, believed in ourselves, and played on the front foot.
“It is a solid performance to build on as our mindset shifts to preparing for an important match versus Chile.”
Canada’s Tim Fortier was named player of the match.
France, which blanked Chile 2-0 in its opening game, won the U-17 title in 2001, was runner-up last time out in 2023 and finished third in 2019. The French, coached by Lionel Rouxel, qualified this time by virtue of finishing runner-up to Portugal at the UEFA Under-17 European Championship in June.
The expanded 48-team, 104-game FIFA competition runs through Nov. 27 across eight pitches at the Aspire Zone complex. The final will be staged at Khalifa International Stadium, which is also on the Aspire Zone site.
France outshot Canada 9-5 (5-1 in shots on target).
Vitulano made three changes to his starting lineup with Aiyenero, Shola Jimoh and Johnny Selemani, who all came in off the bench against Uganda, slotting into the starting 11.
The first half was essentially a stalemate with the only attempt on goal coming in the 36th minute. A Canadian turnover resulted in a chance for Jah-Mason Telusson but his shot was deflected to safety by Roche.
Aiyenero was booked late in the half which, coupled with a yellow card against Uganda, means he will miss the Chile contest.
The first shot on target, by French captain Abdoulaye Camara in the 48th minute, was easily handled by Canadian ‘keeper Jonathan Ransom. Camara, a 17-year-old midfielder, joined Italy’s Udinese in July on a four-year contract from Montpellier.
Canada sent on Aidan Evans and Van Parker in the 58th minute.
The subs had an immediate impact. Canada’s first chance came in the 62nd minute when Evans’ through ball found Parker streaking in towards goal. The ball ended up at the feet of Jimoh whose shot was blocked by sliding French goalkeeper Ilan Jourdren.
Ransom made a fine reflex save off a corner in the 72nd minute to preserve the tie. At the other end, Parker had a chance in the 80th but sent his shot over the crossbar.
Pierre Moungengue came close in the 83rd minute, dribbling around a Canadian defender only to see his shot bounce off the post. An unmarked Isaiah Bohui had a free header in stoppage time but sent it straight at Ransom.
That sent Venezuelan referee Yender Herrera to the pitchside monitor to check for a possible infraction in front of goal on the play. But it didn’t lead to anything, much to France’s ire.
The tournament’s video support system allows coaches two requests per game for a video review. If the review by the referee results in the original decision being changed, the team retains its request.
Ahead of the tournament, Aiyenero, Antone Bossenberry, and Sasha Cernic were added to the roster with André Ali-Gayapersad, Owen Graham-Roache and Stefan Kapor withdrawing through injury.
The young Canadians booked their ticket to the World Cup in February, topping their five-team qualifying group — featuring host Bermuda, Anguilla, Curaçao and Turks and Caicos — with a perfect 4-0-0 record. They outscored their opposition 28-2 with both goals conceded coming from the penalty spot.
Spain’s Pedri, Brazil’s Neymar and Alisson Becker, England’s Phil Foden and South Korea’s Son Heung-min are among the world stars who have taken part in the U-17 World Cup.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2025.
The Canadian Press
