Hunter Leads Canada Past France in Round of 16

Canada reached the Quarterfinals behind a Kaylee Hunter hat trick.

LODZ, Poland – Canada continued its 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign in the Round of 16 on Wednesday, securing a 3-1 victory over France at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź in Lodz, Poland to advance to the Quarterfinals.

Canada broke the deadlock to pull ahead in the 28’ through a long-range rocket from Kaylee Hunter.

Hunter doubled the lead for The Canucks in the 33’, this time controlling a ball over the top from Janet Okeke inside the box before unleashing a powerful hit to the top-left corner.

Hunter sealed her hat-trick on a counterattack in the 70’, slotting the ball past France’s goalkeeper in a one-on-one opportunity.

France shortened the deficit in the 81’ through a strike from Kenza Dufour.

With the victory, Canada advances to the Quarterfinals for a fourth time in FIFA U-20 Women’s World history, and will face Korea DPR or Japan in the Quarterfinals on Sunday, September 20 at Stadion Miejski ŁKS Łódź.

Post-Match Data

Kaylee Hunter (Canada) is the first player to score three or more goals in a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup knockout match, counting the last four editions of the tournament. She also scored three goals against France from her three shots on target.

Stephanie Schoeley (Canada) completed 91 successful passes in this match against France, the highest total by a Canadian player in this category at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, counting the last four editions.

Canada had more possession than each of its opponents at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, recording 60% against France, its joint-highest mark alongside the match against Tanzania. The last time Canada had less possession in a tournament match was in the Round of 16 of the 2024 edition, with 33% against Spain.