Fiji’s U-17 side displayed courage and determination despite falling 7–0 to a strong and clinical Belgium outfit in their second Group Stage match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025™.
Belgium started the match at a relentless pace, scoring twice within the opening ten minutes through Noah Fernandez and Pablo Capilla Rivera. The European side continued to dominate possession and added further goals before the break via Rene Mitongo (22’, 34’) and Loic Alvarez (29’) to establish a 5–0 halftime lead.
Fiji battled hard to contain Belgium’s fluid attacking play, with goalkeeper Melvin Prakash producing several vital saves to deny further damage in the first half. After the break, the Fijians regrouped with a stronger defensive structure and greater discipline.
Defenders Farhaan Khan and Sialesi Vatanatawake stood firm at the back, helping Fiji absorb continuous Belgian pressure. The second half grew more physical as both teams fought hard — Belgium were reduced to ten men following a red card for violent conduct, before Fiji’s Teimana Goundar was sent off late for a second yellow card.
Belgium eventually extended their lead with Mitongo completing his hat-trick in the 77th minute, before adding a fourth goal in the 86th to seal a comprehensive 7–0 victory.
