The U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team opened the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup dominantly, defeating debutant New Caledonia 9-1 on Monday at El Teniente stadium, Rancagua, Chile.

The result set new U.S. records for most goals scored and largest margin of victory in a U-20 World Cup match, while captain Benjamin Cremaschi became just the third American to record a hat trick in the tournament’s history.

Cremaschi struck twice within the first four minutes before completing his hat trick in the 30th minute, guiding the U.S. to a commanding 6-0 lead. Nolan Norris added a brace, while Frankie Westfield, Niko Tsakiris, Taha Habroune, and Cole Campbell also found the net, making it the second time in U.S. history that six different players scored in a U-20 World Cup match.

The lone blemish came in the 70th minute when goalkeeper Adam Beaudry’s misplayed pass allowed Antoine Simane to score New Caledonia’s first-ever World Cup goal. However, the U.S. quickly responded through Campbell’s finish to cap off the 9-1 victory, joining an elite group of just four teams to score nine goals in a single U-20 World Cup match.

With the result, the U.S. sits atop Group E on goal differential ahead of France, who defeated South Africa 2-1 earlier in the day. The Americans will face France next on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 4 p.m. ET (FS2, Universo), in a clash that could define the group’s top spot.