U-20 World Cup: Morocco defeat United States to reach semifinals

Morocco are through to the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile following Sunday’s 3-1 victory over the United States.

USA 🆚 Morocco#U20WC pic.twitter.com/QHAS0kJHLP

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 12, 2025

Yassir Zabiri’s brace led the Atlas Lion Cubs to a place in the final four where they will meet the winner of Sunday’s later clash between France and Norway. Gessime Yassine finished the job for Morocco late on with a late goal to clinch the result after a defensive meltdown from the American team.

The USA controlled possession but failed to make any use of it, which played right into the hands of Morocco’s tactics. Zabiri struck for the opening goal in the 31st minute from a clever assist by captain Othmane Maamma.

The Americans struck back before halftime after a foul in the penalty area led to Cole Campbell’s penalty kick to level the match. The trend of the USA controlling possession continued while Morocco were ready to pounce on any mistakes.

But in the 66th minute, poor set piece defending allowed Zabiri to double his tally in the 66th minute when the USA failed to clear a long throw-in. The ball bounced through the six-yard box where Zabiri finished off USA defender Joshua Wynder to put his team ahead.

Morocco had to endure a couple of advances from the USA during the final half hour but the North African side shrugged off multiple attacks before pouncing for one more goal late on. American goalkeeper Adam Beaudry came off his line and failed to claim the ball, leading to a chaotic sequence that ended with Yassine finishing from Ilias Boumassaoudi’s pass.

Les Lionceaux now await France or Norway with the semifinal set for Wednesday, October 15.