New Zealand lose to Mali in opening game at FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup

New Zealand have lost their opening game at the FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup in Qatar, losing to North Africa’s Mali 3-0.

Mali, who finished third at the 2023 tournament in Indonesia, opened the scoring in the 17th minute when playmaker Seydou Dembele finished off a swift counterattack.

The player nicknamed “the little Messi” combined neatly in midfield before guiding a left-footed strike beyond goalkeeper Toby Borgnis.

Dembele was instrumental throughout, orchestrating Mali’s attacks as they dominated possession and tempo. The North Africans registered 14 shots to New Zealand’s four in a first half largely controlled by their pace and technical quality.

Ten minutes before the break, Mahamadou Traore forced a fine save from Borgnis to keep the deficit at one.

Mali doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half when Zoumana Ballo latched onto a precise through ball from Dembele, splitting the New Zealand defence and finishing calmly.

Seeking a way back, New Zealand coach Martin Bullock introduced attackers Ben Perez Baldoni and Justin Cardozo, but the Oceania champions struggled to break through Mali’s organised defence. Aaron Cartwright curled a free kick over the bar in the 79th minute.

A minute later, Mali sealed the result as Raymond Bomba raced in behind captain Alex Lienard and rifled a shot into the back of the net to make it 3–0.

New Zealand’s best opportunity came late when Cartwright delivered a pinpoint cross for Cardozo, but his effort flew over the bar.

Mali produced 31 shots at goal during the game, compared to New Zealand’s eight.

In the group’s other match, Austria beat Saudi Arabia 1–0. New Zealand will face the Saudis next on Sunday morning (NZT)..

In a change from previous tournaments, all matches excluding the final are being played at a single location, the Aspire Zone in Doha, where games can take place simultaneously across multiple pitches.

The tournament is being streamed live and free on FIFA+, as well as all New Zealand games on TVNZ.

Acknowledgement

We thank OFC Media for providing information for this story.

Photo credit: FIFA via Getty Images.

New Zealand’s starting line-up. Photo credit: FIFA via Getty Images.
Results

Games played on Thursday November 6, 2025 (NZT)

New Zealand 0
Mali 3 (Seydou Dembele 17′, Zoumana Ballo 55′, Ndjicoura Raymond Bomba 78′)

Austria 1 (Johannes Moser 63′ pen)
Saudi Arabia 0

Fixtures

Game to be played on Sunday November 9, 2025 (NZT)

New Zealand v Saudi Arabia
Aspire Zone, Doha, 4.45am (NZT)

Game to be played on Wednesday November 12, 2025

New Zealand v Austria
Aspire Zone, Doha, 4.45am (NZT)

FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup groups

Tournament format

The top two teams in each group, and the eight best third-placed sides, will qualify for the Round of 32.

From the Round of 32 onwards, the tournament will be played in a knockout format.

In knockout fixtures, if a game is level at the end of normal playing time, no extra time shall be played and a penalty shootout will determine the winner of the match.

Previous winners

This story was first published on November 6, 2025.

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