Morocco Stuns France, Reaches Historic U20 World Cup Final
SANTIAGO, Chile — Morocco has booked its place in the final of the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, defeating France in a tense semifinal that ended 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
It marks the first time in history that Morocco’s U20 side has reached the tournament’s championship match — and they did it with grit, strategy, and a goalkeeper who hadn’t played a single minute before the shootout.
Heroic Substitute Goalkeeper Secures Victory
The night’s unlikely hero was third-choice goalkeeper Abdelhakim El Mesbahi, who was subbed in just moments before the shootout began. In a move that raised eyebrows but ultimately paid off, Morocco’s head coach Mohamed Ouahbi made the bold decision to swap goalkeepers with everything on the line.
El Mesbahi entered the pitch with a unique weapon: a water bottle marked with headshots and preferred penalty directions of France’s shooters. Armed with tactical insight and nerves of steel, he guessed correctly on the final penalty, diving to deny Djylian Nguessan and send Morocco into footballing history.
The Match: Morocco Strikes First, France Responds
Morocco opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, albeit through an unusual stroke of luck when French goalkeeper Lisandru Olmeta turned the ball into his own net. The early advantage gave the North Africans momentum, but France responded in the 59th minute, when Lucas Michel found the equalizer with a composed finish from the edge of the box.
Despite several chances on both ends, neither team could break the deadlock in extra time. The match headed to penalties, where Morocco’s daring substitution became the defining moment.
Injury Drama and Tactical Substitutions
The semifinal wasn’t without setbacks for Morocco. Starting goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch was forced off with an injury midway through the second half and was replaced by Ibrahim Gomis in the 64th minute. Gomis did well to keep France at bay during regulation and extra time but was replaced by El Mesbahi solely for the penalty shootout — a decision that proved to be a masterstroke.
Road to the Final: Morocco’s Impressive Run
Morocco’s journey to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. Drawn into a tough group, they defeated Spain and Brazil, both traditional football powerhouses, to top their group.
In the knockout rounds, they continued their winning streak with victories over South Korea in the Round of 16 and the United States in the quarterfinals. Now, with their semifinal triumph over France, they have a date with destiny.
Argentina Awaits in the Final
Morocco will now face Argentina in the final, scheduled for Sunday. Argentina secured their spot after Mateo Silvetti scored the lone goal in a gritty 1-0 victory over Colombia in the other semifinal.
Argentina are no strangers to success at the youth level, having won multiple U20 titles. But Morocco’s tactical discipline, fearless mentality, and standout performances throughout the tournament suggest that La Albiceleste will be facing a worthy opponent in the final.
A Historic Moment for African Football
Morocco’s advance to the final is not only a national triumph but also a significant moment for African football. The team’s best previous performance at the U20 World Cup was fourth place in 2005. Their current run surpasses all expectations and further solidifies the country’s growing reputation as a rising force in international football — both at senior and youth levels.
With stars emerging and tactical brilliance on display, Morocco’s golden generation may just be beginning. Sunday’s final will be a monumental occasion, and the nation will be dreaming of lifting their first-ever U20 World Cup trophy.
🏁 Final Note:
Don’t miss the U20 World Cup Final: Morocco vs Argentina — a clash of continents, styles, and ambition. Will Morocco complete their fairytale? Or will Argentina’s youth continue their legacy? All eyes will be on Santiago this Sunday.
