DOHA, Qatar (FNN SPORTS) – The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team continued its impressive run at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, clinching the top spot in Group I with a 1-0 win over Czechia at Aspire Zone Pitch 4. Substitute Mathis Albert’s 78th-minute goal sealed the victory, giving the USA a perfect 3-0-0 record in group play — the program’s best start in 34 years.

Ranked third overall among group winners, the USA will face Morocco—who finished third in Group B—in the Round of 32 on November 14 or 15. FIFA is expected to confirm the official match date and time by Wednesday.

Albert’s Late Goal Seals Historic Win

With the group title within reach, head coach Gonzalo Segares rotated seven players from the starting lineup that defeated Tajikistan 2-1. Despite early pressure from Czechia, including a 14th-minute shot that hit the post, the Americans steadily grew into the match.

In the second half, substitute Mathis Albert brought new energy down the left wing, linking well with playmaker Máximo Carrizo. Their chemistry paid off in the 78th minute when Albert received a through ball from Carrizo, slipped behind the Czech defense, and calmly slotted home the decisive goal into the lower right corner.

The U.S. defense held firm despite a late red card to Mateo Tsakiris in stoppage time, preserving its second clean sheet of the tournament.

Milestones and Match Highlights

• Historic Achievement: The victory marks the first time in 20 years—and only the fourth time overall—that the U.S. has won its group at the FIFA U-17 World Cup (previously in 1991, 1999, and 2005).

• Perfect Record: It’s just the second time ever the U.S. U-17s have won all three group-stage matches, matching the 1991 squad’s feat.

• Key Performances: Goalkeeper Aidan Stokes anchored a strong back line, recording two shutouts in three matches. Carrizo tallied his first assist of the tournament, while Albert netted his first U-17 World Cup goal.

• Discipline: Tsakiris received a red card in stoppage time after a VAR review and will miss the Round of 32 match.

FINAL SCORE:

USA 1 – Czechia 0
Goal: Mathis Albert (78′)
Assist: Máximo Carrizo

The U.S. U-17s now turn their focus to the knockout stage, where they’ll look to continue their unbeaten streak and push deeper into the tournament.

NEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) — The National Football League is mourning the loss of former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who passed away this week. His successor, Commissioner Roger Goodell, released an emotional statement reflecting on Tagliabue’s leadership, mentorship, and lasting impact on the league.

“All of us in the NFL are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Tagliabue, whose principled leadership and vision put the NFL on the path to unparalleled success,” Goodell said. “Throughout his decades-long leadership on behalf of the NFL, first as outside counsel and then during a powerful 17-year tenure as commissioner, Paul served with integrity, passion, and an unwavering conviction to do what was best for the league.”

A TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER AND VISIONARY

Tagliabue, who served as NFL Commissioner from 1989 to 2006, oversaw a period of unprecedented growth and stability in the league. During his tenure, he:

• Expanded the league to 32 teams,

• Fostered labor peace through successful collective bargaining agreements,

• Guided the construction of state-of-the-art stadiums, and

• Laid the foundation for the NFL’s global brand expansion.

Goodell highlighted Tagliabue’s pioneering efforts in modernizing league operations and embracing new technologies of his era, including cable, satellite, and the internet, which helped shape the NFL’s strategic growth for decades to come.

“Paul was the ultimate steward of the game—tall in stature, humble in presence, and decisive in his loyalty to the NFL,” Goodell added. “He viewed every challenge and opportunity through the lens of what was best for the greater good, a principle he inherited from Pete Rozelle and passed on to me.”

A LEGACY OF INTEGRITY, DIVERSITY, AND COMPASSION

Tagliabue’s leadership extended beyond the field. He was a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, championing programs that opened doors for women and minorities in sports leadership. He also guided the NFL through some of the nation’s most challenging times, including the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina, ensuring that the league remained a unifying force for communities nationwide.

“I am forever grateful and proud to have Paul as my friend and mentor,” Goodell said. “He helped shape me as an executive, but also as a man, husband, and father.”

Goodell and his wife, Jane, extended condolences to the Tagliabue family, including Paul’s wife of 60 years, Chan, and their children, Drew and Emily.