Two-time World Champions Germany were too good for the debutant Morocco in their first match of Group H of the FIFA Women's World Cup. They defeated Morocco by 6-0 as they registered the biggest win of the Women's World Cup surpassing Japan's victory over Zambia. Captain Alexandra Popp scored two goals in the first half as her partnership with Klara Buehl was just excellent for them. Buehl herself scored one goal and assisted before getting subbed off in the 64th minute. Two own goals from Morocco did not help themselves as well. They would certainly have to forget this match as quickly as possible and move on to the next one. Read about moments from the Germany vs Morocco match on our LIVE blog below the match report.

Read Also: FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Germany vs Morocco Match preview

Germany vs Morocco | First half

As expected Die Nationalelf started with a high-pressing game from the word go. With a 4-2-3-1 formation and Popp leading the attack, it was about the time when they scored their first goal. And, it happened quite quickly as well. Popp headed the ball into the goal in the 11th minute of the match. A beautiful cross from Kathrin Hendrich found Popp who scored the quickest goal of the Women's World Cup so far.

It was once again Alexandra Popp who found herself on the scoresheet in the 39th minute, this time benefiting from an assist by her partner in crime, Kalara Buehl. With her 64th goal for Germany, she has now equalled the record for the third-highest number of goals scored for the national team. In the first half, there was little to discuss regarding Morocco, except for one or two isolated incidents. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak attempted a shot from outside the box in the 23rd minute, which was on target but ultimately an easy save for Merle Frohms, Germany's number one goalkeeper.

Germany vs Morocco | Second Half

Germany dealt a blow to Morocco's hopes of a second-half comeback when Kalara Buehl scored a mere 23 seconds after the restart. Lina Magull's shot kissed the crossbar before falling to Buehl, who calmly slotted it home, notching the third goal for Germany.

Post that goal, everything involved the Atlas Lionesses as first they were denied their first-ever World Cup goal by an offside flag, in the 52nd minute of the game. Then, in another unfortunate event, Hanane Ait-El-haj scored an own goal to increase the lead to 4-0 for Germany. Zineb Redouani's own goal then made it 5-0. Alexandra Popp tried to make that her fourth World Cup hat-trick, but the replay confirmed that it was an own goal from the Moroccan defender.

In the 90th minute, German Player of the Year Lea Schueller then made it 6-0 for them as they registered the biggest win of the FIFA Women's World Cup so far.

Key Stats after the match

Alexandra Popp appears to have a strong preference for playing against African nations. She has scored a total of five goals in the FIFA Women's World Cup, and interestingly, all of them have been against teams from Africa. Specifically, she scored against Côte d'Ivoire in 2015, South Africa and Nigeria in 2019, and now against Morocco twice in 2023.

"We're super happy we were able to play like this in our opening match. It's always difficult because you don't really know where you stand or how your opponent will play. But we were able to impose our game. To have this kind of atmosphere in a stadium like this, that's what a World Cup is al about. It pushes you, the fans carry you. It's so fun to play football like this."

Alexandra Popp after the match.

LIVE Blog | Germany vs Morocco | FIFA Women's World Cup match

Germany vs Morocco | Match Details

Match: 15
Kick-off: 2.00 pm (local time)
Date: 24 July 2023
Venue: Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia

Key Facts | Germany vs Morocco

The Germans have shown exceptional dominance in their group-stage matches throughout the tournament. Out of the 24 matches they have played, they have only suffered a single defeat. With an impressive record of 15 wins and four draws in their 19 group outings since their last loss against Sweden in 1995, their performance speaks for itself. It's worth noting that in seven out of their eight appearances at the finals, they have emerged victorious in their opening fixture. The only exception was a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Italy in 1999.

Meanwhile, Morocco earned their place at the finals courtesy of their exploits at the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished runners-up to South Africa. Ghizlane Chebbak captained the team at the continental competition, playing a pivotal role in their run to the final en route to claiming the Player of the Tournament crown.

Lineup: Germany | Merle Frohms, Kathrin Hendrich, Svenja Huth, Alexandra Popp (C), Sara Daebritz, Felicitas Rauch, Melanie Leupolz, Klara Buehl, Lina Magull, Jule Brand, Sara Doorsoun

Lineup: Morocco | Khadija Er-Rmichi, Zineb Redouani, Sarah Kassi, Eoldie Nakkach, Ghizlane Chebbak (C), Fatima Tagnaout, Anissa Lahmari, Hanane Ait-El-haj, Sakina Ouzraoui, Yasmin Mrbet, Rosella Ayane

Germany vs Morocco | Live Score: GER 6-0 MAR

1' | Kick-off

Here we GO! Germany in their whites from left to right and Morocco in reds who will attack from right to left of the screen!

3' | Germany Free-kick

An early free-kick for the Germans, from the edge of the box. Klara Buehl takes the free-kick and shoots it wide.

6' | Germany 4-2-3-1, Morocco 4-4-2

Germany starts with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Captain Popp leading the attack. Meanwhile, Morcco, Lahmari and Ayane are the forwards who will be looking to score their first-ever World Cup goal.

11' | Goal | GER 1-0 MAR

An early goal from the captain Alexandra Popp. It is her 63rd international goal for the Die Nationalelf. A beautiful cross from Kathrin Hendrich from the right and Popp heads it into the goal for the quickest goal of this Women's World Cup.

18' | First attack from Morocco

A miss from the Germans and Morocco nearly took advantage of it. However, Rosella Ayane was off-side on that occasion.

23' | First on-target shot from Morocco

Captain Ghizlane Chebbak takes the first on-target shot for Morocco. A long-range shot from outside of the box. Merle Frohms makes her first save of the match.

33' | Goal but off-side

A very tidy finish by Sara Daebritz who was just off-side as the goal gets declined.

38' | Poop makes it 2-0

Germany double their lead with another header from captain Alexandra Popp. It might have got a touch from one of the Moroccan defenders. But, nevertheless, it is 2-0 for Die Nationalelf.

40' | What a miss from Ayane

Rosella Ayane was nearly one-to-one against German No.1. She miscues everything. Although it was off-side, it was a great play from the Moroccan strikers.

45' | 3-added minutes

3 additional minutes to the first half!

Half-time | GER 2-0 MAR

A comfortable first half for the Die Nationalelf. Two goals for the German captain who scored her 63rd and 64th goal for the National team. The Atlas Lionesses were not able to put much resistance to German pressings. However, a few chances for them as well would surely make them feel good when they come back in the second half.

46' | Goal for Germany | GER 3-0 MAR

Just 23 seconds after the start of the second half, Germany makes it 3-0. It is Klara Buehl who found Lina Magull whose shot deflecting from the bar came to Buehl who tapped in for the third goal for Germany.

50' | Chabbak takes another shot at the goal

A left-footed shot from the Moroccan captain from outside the box. Straight into the hands of Merle Frohms.

52' | Oh no! Another off-side for Morocco

Anissa Lahmari scoops it over the goalie for a goal but is offside.

54' | Own goal for Morocco | GER 4-0 MOR

An unfortunate event for Morocco. Hanane Ait-El-haj deflects the ball in her own goal while trying to clear the ball.

64' | Triple change for Die Nationalelf

Lina Magull, Klara Buehl and Melanie Leupolz are replaced by Lea Schueller, Nicole Anyomi and Lena Lattwein.

76' | Felicitas Rauch shoots it wide

Rauch takes a shot but it was over the goal. Perhaps, she took too much time to shoot the ball.

78' | Germany 5-0 Morocco

Germany have a fifth goal. It is another own goal from Morocco. The ball goes in from Zineb Redouani's deflection. Certainly, it is not their day.

90' | Germany vs Morocco | 6-0 for the Germans

Another goal for Die Nationalelf. Lena Lattwein's cross was first saved by Khadija Er-Rmichi. But
Lea Schueller was there to send the deflected ball into the goal.

90+5' | VAR check for Goal

Lea Schueller was found off-side on this occasion as her goal gets cancelled.

90+6' | Almost but not enough for Morocco

Chebbak again with another attack for Morocco but not good enough to beat Merle Frohms in the goal.

Full time | Germany 6-0 Morocco

The biggest win so far in the FIFA Women's World Cup. The two-time world champions were just too good for the debutants. It will be a huge learning for the Moroccan team to face their next opponents.

Football knows no gender, and the talented women are proving that with their breathtaking gameplay. The world of women's football is setting new standards which has made it difficult to pick the best ones.

Based on the current landscape of the sport, check out the best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.

10. Lauren James 

• National Team: England
• Club: Chelsea
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 65

Lauren James is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Chelsea in the WSL. She has won the PFA Women's Young Player of the Year award in 2022-23 for her exceptional skills at a young age.

She previously played for Arsenal and Manchester United and switched to Chelsea in 2021. She has scored a total of 58 goals in 155 appearances across all clubs.

Lauren plays a major role in the England women's team, having 7 international goals in 27 appearances for England.

Read Also | Chelsea Women sign Naomi Girma for a world-record transfer fee

9. Klara Bühl

• National Team: Germany
• Club: Bayern Munich
• Position: Forward 
• Goals: 92

Klara Bühl is a professional german player who plays as left winger or forward. She is 17 year old and is considered as one of the best young wingers in Europe.

She was a part of SC Freiburg for four years before joining FC Bayern Munich in 2020. Klara has scored 65 goals in 230 appearances for clubs, and 27 international goals in 65 appearances for Germany.

Read Also: 10 Best Women's Football Players and Leagues You Must Watch in 2025

8. Salma Paralluelo

• National Team: Spain
• Club: FC Barcelona
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 99

The Spanish left winger, Salma Paralluelo, is a born champion, with all three 3 World Cups to her name. She started her career as a sprinter and holds several records in the categories of under 16 and 18.

Salma won the FIFA Women's World Cup with the Spanish senior team in 2023, the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2020, and FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2018. She also won the U-17 UEFA U-17 Women's Championship in 2018.

Salma has scored 85 goals in 125 club appearances and 14 goals in 35 appearances for Spain.

Read Also | Sarina Wiegman dedicates Uefa Women's Coach of the Year award to Spain players

7. Linda Caicedo

• National Team: Colombia
• Club: Real Madrid 
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 46

Linda Caicedo is a Colombian footballer who has reached commendable milestones at a young age of 20. She plays as a forward for Real Madrid, and has been associated with football legends like Lionel Messi, Jude Bellingham, Trinity Rodman for commercial ad campaigns.

She played for América Cali and Deportivo Cali before joining Real Madrid, and scored a total of 33 goals in 92 appearances across all of them.

Linda has scored 13 goals to her name in 42 appearances for Colombia.

#FU17WWC Bronze Boot🥾 & Silver Ball ⚽ winner Linda Caicedo makes her senior #FIFAWWC debut 🫡

How many goals will the Colombian star score in the #FIFAWomensWorldCup?#SeleccionFemenina#SelecciónColombiaFemenina#CopaMundialFemenino #COLKOR pic.twitter.com/CLsz1MnaPY

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) July 25, 2023

6. Alessia Russo

• National Team: England
• Club: Arsenal
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 87

Alessia Russo is a professional footballer who plays for England and the WSL club Arsenal as a forward. She has exceptional records, including being awarded the player of the month and goal of the month for Arsenal.

Alessia is known for her aggressive gameplay and match-winning abilities. She played for other clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United before, and was also the top scorer twice.

Her club goals count to 66 in 138 appearances across all clubs and 21 in 49 appearances for England.

Read Also: Football Facts: Top 10 Players With Most Goal Contributions In A Season Since 2000

5. Khadija Shaw

• National Team: Jamaica
• Club: Manchester City 
• Position: Forward
• Goals: 182

The all-time top scorer, Khadija Shaw, is one of the world's best strikers from Jamaica, who also plays as a forward for Manchester City.

Khadija holds the record for the most hat-tricks in the history of the Women's Super League. She scored 125 goals in her 144 club appearances and 57 goals in 44 appearances for Jamaica!

She was named The Guardian Footballer of the Year in 2018 as a tribute to her legendary contributions in football.

4. Alexia Putellas

• National Team: Spain
• Club: FC Barcelona 
• Position: Midfielder
• Goals: 260

Alexis Putellas is a Spanish midfielder or forward who currently plays for Barcelona. She is the captain of Barcelona and has won all the individual European football awards.

Alexis is widely appreciated for her style of play and aura. She has previously played for Espanyol and Levante, having a total of 226 goals in 515 appearances across all clubs. 

She scored 34 goals for the Spanish National Team in 130 appearances. Alexis also won Ballon d'Or Féminin for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022.

3. Caroline Graham Hansen

• National Team: Norway 
• Club: FC Barcelona 
• Position: Winger
• Goals: 225

Caroline Graham Hansen is a Norwegian footballer who is one of the best wingers in the world. She plays for Barcelona and has won prestigious awards like Statoil Talent Award of the Year and others.

Hansen has exceptional dribbling and passing skills, which never fail to amaze the fans. She played for other clubs like Stabæk and Wolfsburg and scored 180 goals in all 404 appearances.

Her goals count to 45 in 95 international caps for Norway.

Read Also: Players with the Most Hat-tricks in International football (Male and Female)

2. Sophia Smith

• National Team: USA
• Club: Portland Thorns
• Position: Forward 
• Goals: 74

Sophia Smith is an American footballer who plays as a forward for the team. She plays for the NWSL club Portland Thorns and was named the most valuable player for them, along with the Golden Boot, in 2022.

Sophia scored 3 goals in the Paris Olympics 2024 for the US National Team. She earned her national team cap in 2020 and became the youngest player to debut for the US Women's National Team.

She scored 50 goals in 95 appearances for Portland Thorns FC and 24 goals in 58 appearances for the USA. 

Her contributions in the world of football makes her way to the list of best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.

Sophia Smith scores in her #FIFAWWC debut!

📰 LIVE Blog #USAVIE : https://t.co/5a8pYXuIsb#FIFAWomensWorldCup #USA #USWNT pic.twitter.com/8ySA5VkuZp

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) July 22, 2023

1. Aitana Bonmatí 

• National Team: Spain
• Club: FC Barcelona 
• Position: Midfielder
• Goals: 134

Aitana Bonmatí is a Spanish footballer who plays as a midfielder for FC Barcelona. She is one of the greatest of all time in football history. Her elegant style of play is a treat to the eyes. 

The Spanish National team captain won the Ballon d'Or Féminin, Laureus World Sports Award, and Golden Player Woman Award for her incredible 2023 season for Spain and Barcelona. She is the first women's player to win The Best, Ballon d'Or, UEFA Player of the Year and World Cup Golden Ball in the same year

Bonmati was the Player of the tournament in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 as Spain lifted their maiden Women's World Cup title. 

She scored 104 goals in 289 appearances for Barcelona and 30 international goals for Spain.

📸 2023 Ballon d’Or winners - Lionel Messi & Aitana Bonmati

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.
.#ballondor #ballondor2023 #messi #lionelmessi #aitanabonmati #intermiami #fcbarcelona #barcelonafemenino pic.twitter.com/MfEPHpiAEs

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) October 31, 2023

Honorary Mention: Mary Earps

The legendary English goalkeeper, Mary Earps, is a name honorary mention for this list. She plays for PSG and is considered to have the safest pair of hands when it comes to football. Earps' legendary performance in the UEFA Euro 2022 will always be remembered in the history of English football, as they lifted the European Championship. 

Earps played for a total of 11 clubs, including Manchester United and became the first goalkeeper to reach 50 clean sheets in the WSL. 

Earps received the Golden Glove Award for her record-breaking 14 clean sheets in 2024 for Manchester United. She is a two-time FIFA Best and Golden Glove winner. 

Her iconic contributions deserves a special place in the list of best 10 women's footballers in the world right now.

East Bengal FC cemented their status as IWL 2024-25 champions with a commanding 3-0 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC at the East Bengal ground on Friday.

Already assured of the title before kickoff, the Red and Golds showcased their supremacy by defeating every team in the league en route to the championship, with all three goals coming in an explosive first half.

Read Also | Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup dream

The star of the show was Elshaddai Acheampong, who opened the scoring in the 27th minute. After missing earlier chances, including a header from five yards in the 19th minute, the Ghanaian forward made amends with a clinical finish, chipping the goalkeeper after a deft move past defenders following a pass from Anju Tamang.

Read Also | 10 Best Women's Football Players and Leagues You Must Watch in 2025

Her poacher’s instinct shone again in the 37th minute, tapping in a cross from Karthika Angamuthu at the back post to double the lead. Minutes before halftime, Soumya Guguloth sealed the rout in the 42nd minute, rounding the keeper to score after a perfectly timed through ball.

Read Also | Beatrice Chebet becomes the first woman to run 5km under 14 minutes in Barcelona

Despite the title already in hand, East Bengal displayed remarkable professionalism, dominating possession and stifling Gokulam from the outset. The second half saw Gokulam mount a brief challenge, testing goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu with a long-range effort, but the champions held firm. This win marked the only team East Bengal had yet to beat this season, completing a flawless campaign.

The victory underscored East Bengal’s dominance throughout the season, blending skill, composure, and relentless attacking play.

For Gokulam, the defeat highlighted their struggle against the league’s top side, as East Bengal celebrated a perfect end to their triumphant IWL 2024-25 journey.

USWNT Defender Naomi Girma has joined Chelsea Women for a world-record transfer fee for a female footballer. The Women's Super League leaders paid €1 million to San Diego Wave FC to secure the services of the 24-year-old defender.

Girma was officially presented on the pitch by the Women’s Super League champions before Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Arsenal Women at Stamford Bridge.

It's official. ✍️

Naomi Girma plays for Chelsea Football Club. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/hb7OMyhE06

— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) January 26, 2025

Girma signs for Chelsea for a world-record fee

The world record for the highest transfer fees paid for a female footballer was held by Bay FC, who paid €685,000 for Racheal Kundananji in February 2024.

Chelsea has broken the transfer world record and also surpassed the British transfer signing record as well, previously held by Mayra Ramirez, who signed for Chelsea for a €384,000 transfer fee.

Girma has also become the first-ever €1M signing in women's football.

Chelsea Women gaffer Sonia Bompastor has made her first January 2025 signing with Girma as she will enter the team roster after Chelsea defender Kadeisha Buchanan suffered an ACL tear injury in November 2024.

World-record signing Naomi Girma was presented at Stamford Bridge 🤩🔵 pic.twitter.com/vqT0XneC0C

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 26, 2025

Naomi Girma played an integral part in USWNT's Olympic Gold-winning campaign in Paris last year and was also named the US Soccer’s female player of the year in 2023. She was also named the NWSL Defender of the Year in 2022 and 2023.

However, Girma has signed a huge 4-year deal until 2029 as Chelsea head of women’s football Paul Green affirmed his confidence in this signing.

Naomi is a world-class defender who is now coming into the prime years of her career.

Girma also expressed her excitement about joining the Blues as she stated to BBC Sport:

I'm so happy and really excited to be here. It doesn't feel real,

There are a lot of things about Chelsea that made me want to come here - the culture, the winning mentality, staff and players.

It's a top environment to learn and grow in. Right now, that's what I'm looking to do.

Record transfers in women's football

East Bengal commenced their Indian Women's League (IWL) 2024-25 season with a commendable 2- 0 victory over Kickstart FC at the historic East Bengal Ground on 10th January 2025. Two brilliant goals scored by Sandhya Ranganathan and Resty Nanzary are enough to take three points for the Red and Gold brigade.

The home side's first goal materialized by another regular starter for India Soumya Guguloth played a crucial role in that goal. She delivered a ball from the right for Sulanjana Raul, whose header struck the crossbar. The rebound was found by Sandhya Ranganathan, who netted it with a beautiful header.

Read Also | Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup dream

Maintaining their momentum, East Bengal doubled their lead early in the second half. In the 49th minute, Ugandan recruit Resty Nanzari, made a beautiful run from the left side of the pitch and showcased her skill by delivering a precise low shot into the near post, and securing a goal. That was enough to start a season with a commendable victory for the home side.

Kickstart FC, originating from Bengaluru, attempted to penetrate East Bengal's defence but struggled to create promising opportunities in the attacking third. The host's defence was rock solid and effectively neutralized a clean sheet to start their IWL campaign on a positive note.

Read Also | Indumathi, Shilky, Shreya among the winners of IWL 2023-24 awards

The victory provided East Bengal with a solid foundation for positive progress in the IWL season, they were rock solid in defence and also offensively great. Conversely, Kickstart FC will aim to enhance their strategies in the upcoming matches to rebound from the initial setback. 

Debutant Lhingdeikim's four goals along with Simran Gurung's brace helped the Indian Women's Football team thrash Maldives by 11-1 in their FIFA Friendly match in Bangalore. Kajol Dsouza, Pooja, Sibani Devi, and Khumukcham Bhumika Devi were the other scorers for Blue Tigeress. 

After beating Bangladesh by 14-0 in their final match of 2024, the Indian Women's Football team started the 2025 on a great note with an emphatic win over the visitors, Maldives. 

India head coach Joakim Alexandersson made many changes to the team that played against Bangladesh which handed two debutants a chance in the starting XI. Lhingdeikim, who scored four goals (twice in both halves) and Shibani Devi, who last year featured for East Bengal FC in the Indian Women's League were among the changes Alexandersson.

Read Also | Indian Women's Football team crush Maldives 14-0 in FIFA Friendly

Ribansi Jamu, Thingbaijam Sanjita Devi, Juhi Singh, Monisha Singha, Khumukcham Bhumika Devi and Simran Gurung were the players who made their debut off the bench. 

Read Also | Exclusive: Here's how Football giving hope to "Mini-Brazil of India"

Maldives looked good in the early minutes which forced Linthoingambi Devi to make some saves but once the Indian team resolved the issue and found their pace, they were tough to resist.

Lhingdeikim started the onslaught for India with an early goal in the 12th minute before providing an assist for Kajol Dsouza to extend the lead three minutes later. She found the net again in the next minute after receiving a perfect ball from Sibani. In the 17th minute, Sangita Basfore's header was deflected into the goal by Maldives captain Hawwa Haneefa. 

However, right before the halfway mark, Maldives scored their only goal of the match as Mariyam Rifa found the net after a defensive error from the Indian team. 

But, India struck again before half-time with Pooja and Shibani scoring one each. At half-time, India were leading by 6-1 and it looked like we would have the scoreline just like the last match. 

Lhingdeikim started the second half by scoring from a beautiful assist by Pooja in the 56th minute. A minute later she scored her fourth goal of the match by flicking a ball with his right foot for a neat finish. This time, Kajol was the assist provider for her. 

Simran Gurung, who came off the bench at halftime, scored two goals in the 62nd and 68th minutes. A red card for Maeesha Abdul Hannan did not help the Maldives as well as the defender made a deliberate handball inside the penalty box. Bhumika Devi converted the penalty in the 71st minute to complete the riot. 

Scorecard | India vs Maldives | FIFA Friendlies (Women's)

Maldives 1 (Mariyam Rifa 27’)

India 11 (Lhingdeikim 12’, 16’, 56’, 59’, Kajol Dsouza 15’, Hawwa Haneefa 17’ o.g., Pooja 41’, Sibani Devi 45+1’, Simran Gurung 62’, 68’, Khumukcham Bhumika Devi 71’ p)