U-20 Women’s World Cup: Hunter Hat-trick Fires Canada Past France

Canada booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 after Kaylee Hunter scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over France in Lodz on Thursday.

Hunter was the difference between the sides, striking in the 28th, 33rd and 70th minutes to put Canada in control before Kenza Roche Dufour pulled one back for France in the 81st minute.

The Toronto forward opened the scoring in spectacular fashion, collecting a pass from Jeneva Hernandez Gray 25 yards from goal before unleashing a powerful effort beyond France goalkeeper Alyssa Fernandes.

Hunter doubled Canada’s advantage five minutes later, controlling Janet Okeke’s precise delivery on her chest before firing home to complete a dominant first-half display.

Canada continued to control proceedings after the interval and extended their lead in the 70th minute.

A long ball from Annabelle Chukwu was cleverly flicked on by Sariyah Bailey, sending Hunter through on goal. She rounded Fernandes before calmly finishing to complete her hat-trick.

France found a consolation goal nine minutes from time when Justine Rouquet set up Roche Dufour, who finished with her left foot.

The goal, however, came too late to spark a comeback as Canada secured a place in the last eight for the first time in 12 years.

Hunter was named the Visa Player of the Match after her decisive display.

Canada coach Cindy Tye’s side will remain in Lodz for their quarter-final on Sunday, where they will face either DPR Korea or Japan.

France coach Philippe Joly attributed his side’s defeat partly to Canada’s greater maturity and athletic experience.

“The team we faced had a little more maturity and more athletic experience, and that made the difference,” Joly said.

“We were not able to maintain the consistency needed to stay in the game, finish the chances we created and compete more effectively in certain duels.

“They gave everything they could. Around 90 per cent of the players are younger, so at this level of competition you can feel that lack of maturity. It is a big disappointment, of course, but it is also a learning experience.”

Hunter, meanwhile, praised Canada’s collective effort after her three-goal performance.

“We had a game plan coming into the match, and I think we stuck to it,” she said.

“Once we got into a good flow in the first half, the goals kept coming for me. Obviously, I had some really good assists from my team-mates for all three of them, so credit to the team.

“We’re just happy that we get to move on, and we’re excited for the next opponent.”