Brazil beats Canada in quarterfinal penalty shootout at FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup

Canadian Melisa Kekic (9) is seen during Canada's 4-1 win over Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup group play, in this handout photo, at Football Academy Mohammed VI in Sale, Morocco, on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Canada Soccer

RABAT — Brazil ended Canada’s run at the FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup on Saturday, winning their quarterfinal via penalty shootout.

Gabi Pusch, Gi Iseppe, Kaylane, Pepe and Andreyna converted their penalty kicks against Canadian goalkeeper Khadijah Cisse as Brazil won the shootout 5-4.

Chloe Taylor, Amy Medley, Naomi Lofthouse and Reed Tingley scored for Canada but Brazil ‘keeper Ana Morganti stopped Bridget Mutipula’s attempt. Mutipula had been a pillar in the Canadian backline all game.

The game went to penalties after finishing scoreless after 90 minutes. Brazil had offered more offence the first half and kept coming in the second but was unable to dent the Canadian defence.

The young Canadians had outscored their opposition 18-2 in reach the quarterfinals, defeating Zambia 6-0 in the round of 16. But they struggled to get the attack going against Brazil.

Brazil outshot Canada 22-6 (7-2 in shots on target).

Brazil moves on to face either defending champion North Korea or 2014 winner Japan in Wednesday’s semifinal.

In quarterfinal play Sunday, it’s France versus the Netherlands and Mexico versus Italy.

Saturday marked Canada’s fifth trip to the quarterfinals in eight trips to the under-17 championship. The Canadian women made it to the semifinals just once in 2018 when they finished fourth after losing 1-0 to Mexico in the semifinal, and 2-1 to New Zealand in the third-place game.

Canada also made the quarterfinals in 2008, 2012 and 2014.

Brazil, which blanked China 3-0 in the round of 16, had never made the semifinals in three previous trips to the quarterfinals.

The game was the first for Canada at Olympic Stadium after winning four straight at the Football Academy Mohammed VI. Brazil blanked host Morocco 3-0 at OIympic Stadium in the tournament’s opening match.

Canada coach Jen Herst made two changes to her starting lineup with Emma Donnelly and Tingley slotting in Mya Angus and Daniela Feria-Estrada. Tingley returned from suspension after being sent off in the final group game.

Star forward Giovanna Waksman, tied with Iseppe as Brazil’s leading scorer with three goals, remained on the bench with wrapping on her knee after leaving the round-of-16 game on a stretcher.

Brazil pressed early but, like Canada, turned the ball over too often.

Spanish referee Olatz Rivera Olmedo went to the pitchside monitor midway through the half to review a play that saw Morganti come well out of her box to challenge for the ball with Melisa Kekic advancing for Canada.

Canada challenged the play, arguing the ‘keeper had handled the ball as she went down, shielding the ball with her body before sending it to safety. But the referee stuck with her original no-call.

The tournament’s video support system allows coaches two requests per game for a video review. If the review by the referee results in the original decision being changed, the team retains its request.

Brazil outshot Canada 7-2 (4-1 in shots on target) in the first half.

Kaylane came close for Brazil in the 54th minute, taking the ball from a throw-in and pivoting to elude a Canadian defender before firing a shot that flashed just wide of the far goalpost.

Substitute Ravenna sent the ball over the crossbar in the 81st minute after Cisse failed to deal with a dangerous cross.

Substitute Melyna Alexis had a chance for Canada in stoppage time but her shot was blocked by sliding Brazilian defender Andreyna.

Canada advanced to the knockout round by topping Group D with wins over Nigeria (4-1), Samoa (6-0) and France (2-1). Brazil placed second in Group A, defeating Morocco, drawing Costa Rica (1-1) and losing to Italy (4-3).

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 1, 2025