U-20 World Cup: Morocco Edges USA 3-1, Sets Up Semifinal Clash with France
Morocco's U-20 team secures a 3-1 win over the USA, advancing to the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Fouad Zahouani, Yassir Zabiri, and Gessime Yassine scored the goals.
“We know very well that we can do damage to any team, because we’ve got quality players up front...”
Morocco has secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, defeating the United States 3-1 in a thrilling match at the Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua. Fouad Zahouani opened the scoring for Morocco, before Cole Campbell leveled the match for the US. However, Joshua Liam Wynder's own goal and Gessime Yassine's late strike handed Morocco the victory.
This win sets up an exciting semifinal matchup between Morocco and France. Morocco's impressive performance has seen them become the only African team left in the competition, after Nigeria and South Africa were eliminated in the Round of 16. France, who edged past Norway 2-1 in their quarterfinal match, will provide stiff competition for Morocco's talented young side.
The US U-20 Men's National Team had built momentum after a convincing 3-0 win over Italy in the Round of 16, but their surge was halted by Morocco in a thrilling quarterfinal match. Despite their confidence, the Americans found themselves trailing after Fouad Zahouani's 30th-minute goal for Morocco.
Yassir Zabiri doubled Morocco's lead in the 65th minute with an own goal by Josh Wynder, and the team's advantage grew further when Gessime Yassine netted in the 87th minute. Earlier, the US had leveled the score before halftime through Cole Campbell's penalty kick, converting a crucial spot-kick in the 45th+6 minute.
In a thrilling match, Saad El Haddad's clever playmaking set up the opening goal for Morocco. He beat his marker down the left flank and delivered a precise cross to the back post, where Othmane Maamma made a clever flick on the rebound. The ball fell to the 19-year-old striker, who calmly slotted the ball home.
The North Americans pushed hard for an equalizer, and their efforts were almost rewarded just before halftime. Nolan Norris was fouled by Ali Maamar in the box, earning the USA a penalty kick opportunity.
The USA was awarded a penalty after a lengthy VAR review, and Cole Campbell stepped up to take it. Campbell confidently converted the spot kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and leveling the score.
Morocco reclaimed the lead in the 67th minute when Yassir Zabiri's deflected shot hit defender Joshua Wynder and ricocheted into the net for an own goal. This pivotal moment gave Morocco a 2-1 advantage, setting the stage for a thrilling finish. Morocco would go on to win the match 3-1.
Gessime Yassine's clinical finish in the final minutes sealed a 3-1 victory for Morocco, capping off a swift counterattack with just three minutes remaining. This win marks a historic moment for Morocco, as they advance to the semi-finals for the first time in 20 years.
Morocco will now face France in the semi-finals, with the winner inching closer to the coveted U20 World Cup title. France, who edged past Norway 2-1 in their quarterfinal match, will provide a formidable challenge for Morocco's talented young side. The stage is set for an exciting showdown between two emerging football nations.
"We know very well that we can do damage to any team, because we’ve got quality players up front,” coach Mohamed Ouahbi said after the match.
“And above all, what really makes the difference is that our defenders are very solid, and the attacking players also do the defensive work.
“So, they went out there and earned this qualification. They’re in the process of writing their own story. This generation truly deserves it, because it’s an absolute pleasure to work with them.”
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