Canada’s U17 World Cup Run Ends in Penalty Shootout Heartbreak Against Ireland
Doha, Qatar – November 14, 2025 – Canada’s promising run at the FIFA U17 World Cup came to a painful end today, falling to Ireland in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. The match,played at the Aspire Zone complex,saw Ireland ultimately prevail after a tense contest.
Ireland broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. A long ball from Leonard exposed the Canadian defense, with Nteziryayo’s attempted back pass to Ransom falling short, allowing Irish forward Michael Noonan to calmly score. Noonan, who previously helped Shamrock Rovers win their league adn was shortlisted for the PFA Ireland Young Player of the Year award, also holds the record as the youngest goal scorer in UEFA Conference League history, having scored at age 16 years 197 days against Molde in February.
Canada had opportunities to equalize, including a stoppage-time chance for aiyenero, but the Irish goalkeeper denied the attempt. The Canadians had previously outshot Ireland 5-4 in the first half, with both teams registering two shots on target.
Late in the game,South African referee Jelly Chavani reviewed a potential penalty for Ireland but ultimately waved off the appeal.
Despite the loss, Canada advanced to the knockout round after a 2-1 defeat to Chile in the Group K finale on Tuesday. All four teams in the group – Canada, France, Uganda, and Chile – finished with four points and a 1-1-1 record, with Canada securing second place behind France and ahead of Uganda. France defeated Colombia 2-0 earlier on Friday, while Uganda was scheduled to play Senegal on Saturday.
Ireland topped Group J with a 2-0-1 record, having defeated Panama (4-1) and Uzbekistan (2-1) and drawn with Paraguay (0-0).
Elsewhere in round-of-32 play on Friday, Belgium lost 2-1 to Portugal, and Mexico defeated Argentina in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.
Canada coach Mike Vitulano made one change to his starting lineup, bringing in Aidan Evans in place of Johnny Selemani. Ireland’s starting lineup included McDonell, a former member of the Vancouver Whitecaps academy and Vancouver FC player, who was sold to Club Brugge in Belgium in January for a notable transfer fee. McDonell, born in Surrey, B.C., is eligible to play for Ireland through his father’s heritage and previously represented Canada at the CONCACAF Under-15 Championship in August 2023.
Canada qualified for the World Cup in February,topping their qualifying group with a perfect 4-0-0 record,outscoring opponents 28-2 with both goals conceded coming from the penalty spot. Ireland narrowly qualified from the first round of European qualifying, advancing on fair play ranking after finishing level on points and goal difference with Lithuania, before finishing runner-up to Belgium in their second-round group.
The tournament continues through November 27, culminating in the final at Khalifa International Stadium, also located within the Aspire Zone.
