Morocco will face Argentina in the final of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup after both teams sealed hard-fought victories in their respective semi-final clashes.
Morocco booked their place in the historic final after edging past France 6-5 on penalties following a 1-1 draw that stretched through 120 tense minutes at the Elías Figueroa Brande Stadium in Valparaíso.
Yassir Zabiri gave Morocco the lead in the 32nd minute from the penalty spot, but the effort deflected into the net off French defender Lisandru Olmeta, officially recorded as an own goal.
France responded in the 59th minute through Lucas Michal, whose close-range strike levelled the game. Despite several late chances, neither side could find a winner in regular or extra time.
Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yanis Benchaouch, had to be replaced early in the second half after picking up an injury, with Ibrahim Gomis stepping in to guard the post.
France’s hopes dimmed in extra time when Rabby Nzingoula was shown a second yellow card, leaving Les Bleuets to finish the game with 10 men.
In the penalty shootout, Morocco held their nerve. Younes El Bahraoui, Ilias Boumassaoudi, Yassir Zabiri, Mohamed Hamony, Saad El Haddad, and Byar all converted their spot-kicks to seal a 6-5 victory that sent Moroccan fans into wild celebrations.
Meanwhile, Argentina edged Colombia 1-0 in the other semi-final at the Estadio Nacional de Santiago. Mateo Silvetti’s 74th-minute strike, assisted by Gianluca Prestianni, proved decisive. Colombia were later reduced to 10 men, ending their hopes of a comeback.
Argentina, six-time champions of the tournament, will now aim for a record-extending seventh title when they take on Morocco on Monday, October 20.
For Morocco, this marks a moment of history as they become the third African nation, after Ghana and Nigeria, to reach the U-20 World Cup final.
France and Colombia will contest the third-place play-off on Saturday, October 18.
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