U20 World Cup: Morocco Edge France in Penalty Shootout Thriller

Atlas Cubs roar to Finals, Morocco's historic win over France

Morocco made history by defeating France 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, reaching the U20 World Cup final.

Morocco came out strong, inspired by their recent semi-final triumph over the United States...

Morocco made history by defeating France 5-4 in a penalty shootout, after the match ended 1-1 after extra time, to secure their spot in the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup final. This remarkable win marks a milestone for Moroccan football, showcasing the team's determination and skill.

By reaching the final, Morocco became the third African nation to achieve this feat in the U20 World Cup, following Nigeria (1989, 2005) and Ghana (2009). They will face Argentina in the final, who edged Colombia 1-0 to reach the championship match. The stage is set for an exciting showdown between these two talented teams.

Abdelhakim Mesbahi, Morocco's goalkeeper, was the unlikely hero as he saved Djylian N'Guessan's effort in sudden death, securing Morocco's spot in the semifinals. This thrilling win sets the stage for a decider at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Pradanos in Santiago.

Morocco came out strong, inspired by their recent semi-final triumph over the United States. Othmane Mamma's curling effort in the 13th minute whistled just over the crossbar, showcasing Morocco's attacking prowess and setting the tone for an intense match.

France captain Mayssam Benama quickly responded with a powerful shot that Morocco's goalkeeper Benchaouch expertly parried away. The match's pivotal moment arrived shortly after the half-hour mark when Ismael Baouf was fouled in the box by Andrea Le Borgne. Yassir Zabiri converted the resulting penalty, although it took a deflection off the post and goalkeeper Lisandru Olmeta for the ball to cross the line, giving Morocco a crucial lead.

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The #U20WC final is set. pic.twitter.com/qzbBYDmciO

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 16, 2025

Morocco had a prime opportunity to double their lead in the 40th minute, but Fouad Zahouani's close-range effort was wasted. As halftime approached, France began to gain momentum, with Ilane Toure's shot forcing an excellent save from Yanis Benchaouch just before the break.

France coach Bernard Diomede made significant changes at halftime, and the impact was evident as substitute Moustapha Dabo set up Lucas Michal for an equalizer. Michal's goal, his fifth of the tournament, brought France level and put him in contention for the Golden Boot award.

The match remained tightly contested through extra time, with France's Rabby Nzingoula sent off after receiving two yellow cards. Morocco's coach Hicham Abousfane made a bold move by introducing goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi in the dying moments, replacing Ibrahim Gomis. This gamble paid off in the penalty shootout.

Mesbahi's heroics in the shootout sealed a historic moment for Morocco, as they reached their first-ever U20 World Cup final. The North Africans will face Argentina in the final, vying for the top prize after a dramatic 5-4 win over France in the semifinals.