U-20 World Cup: Morocco advance to final after ousting France in penalties

Morocco have reached the final of the 2025 U-20 World Cup after defeating France 5-4 in a penalty shootout following their 1-1 draw in Wednesday’s semifinal in Valparaíso, Chile.

Morocco continued to show their tactical excellence in a similar manner to the quarterfinal victory over the United States. Les Lionceaux were happy to concede the possession battle and look for opportunities for their excellent counter-attack to thrive, a strategy that worked to great success in the first half.

The opening goal for the African side arrived in somewhat controversial circumstances when a VAR review led to a penalty in favor of the Atlas Lion Cubs for a foul in the French penalty area. Yassir Zabiri struck his spot kick off the post but the ball ricocheted off diving French goalkeeper Lisandru Olmeta and back into his goal.

But the French team responded with a strong second half performance and it Lucas Michal who provided the answer around the hour mark. The AS Monaco forward finished from Moustapha Dabo’s cross and Morocco finally conceded their first goal from the run of play in the entire tournament.

France continued to look a bit more threatening but the Moroccan defense, with players back in numbers, continued to hold strong. After remaining tied at the end of ninety minutes, extra time did little to offer a solution with the only notable moment occurring when France midfielder Rabby Nzingoula was sent off for a second yellow card.

Penalty kicks were required and after both teams converted their first attempts, France defender Gady Beyuku was the first to flinch on the second attempt when he rolled his spot kick off the post. However, Olmeta responded with a save on the fourth attempt from Les Lionceaux midfielder Mohammed Hamony.

After exchanging successful spot kicks until the sixth set of penalties, it was heartbreak for France when Morocco reserve goalkeeper Hakim Mesbahi saved from Djylian N’Guessan to clinch victory. They will face the winner of Wednesday’s second semifinal between Argentina and Colombia in Sunday’s final, the first African nation to compete in the U-20 World Cup final since Ghana defeated Brazil at the 2009 edition in Egypt.