The United States secured a commanding 6–1 victory over Kenya’s Junior Starlets in their Group E encounter at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on Thursday, October 22.
The Americans delivered a dominant performance, scoring four first-half goals before adding two more after the break. Kenya managed a late consolation goal, but the result confirmed the United States’ place in the Round of 16.
Maddie DiMaria Leads the American Attack
Maddie DiMaria was the standout performer, scoring four goals to continue her remarkable tournament.
DiMaria opened the scoring in the fifth minute, finishing a cross from Amari Manning. She doubled the advantage in the 22nd minute with a clinical left-footed strike.
The American forward then converted two penalties, scoring in the 35th minute and again in first-half stoppage time to complete her four-goal haul before the break.
Her performance took her tally to an extraordinary 10 goals in the United States’ first two matches of the tournament.
USA Add Two More Goals
The United States continued their attacking dominance after half-time, with Loradana Paletta extending the lead in the 48th minute following an impressive individual run.
Gianna Hanf completed the American scoring in the 90+3rd minute, making it 6–0 and capping another strong team performance.
The United States demonstrated their attacking depth, pace and clinical finishing throughout the encounter, leaving Kenya with a difficult task.
Lindey Atieno Scores for Kenya
Kenya found a consolation goal in the 90+5th minute through Lindey Atieno, who capitalised on a turnover and lifted the ball over the American goalkeeper from distance.
Although the late goal could not change the outcome, it gave the Junior Starlets something positive to take from a challenging match against one of the tournament’s strongest teams.
The defeat followed Kenya’s earlier 3–0 loss to China PR, leaving the East African side without a point after two group matches.
USA Advance to the Round of 16
The victory secured the United States’ progression to the knockout stages after consecutive wins in Group E.
The Americans will now turn their attention to their final group match against China PR as they look to maintain their winning momentum.
Kenya, meanwhile, will aim to finish their campaign positively in their remaining fixture against Samoa.
Full-time result: United States U-17 6–1 Kenya U-17
Competition: FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026
Group: E
United States scorers:
- Maddie DiMaria (5′, 22′, 35′ penalty, 45+2′ penalty)
- Loradana Paletta (48′)
- Gianna Hanf (90+3′)
Kenya scorer:
- Lindey Atieno (90+5′)
Player of the Match: Maddie DiMaria (United States).
Source: FIFA and Concacaf.
