Morocco’s U-20 men’s national team produced a sensational performance to defeat the United States 3–1 on Sunday night and advance to the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile — their first appearance in the last four since 2005.
Despite the Americans dominating possession and creating more chances, the Atlas Lions capitalized on defensive lapses and displayed clinical finishing to secure a famous win. They will now face the winner of the France vs Norway quarterfinal for a spot in the final.
Morocco took the lead in the 31st minute when right-back Fouad Zahouani converted a fine assist from Maama. The USA equalized just before halftime as Cole Campbell scored from the penalty spot in the sixth minute of added time (45+6’).
After the restart, Morocco regained the advantage when U.S. defender Joshua Wynder who had earlier scored an own goal in a previous match, deflected the ball into his own net in the 66th minute.
Substitute Gessime Yassine sealed the win in the 87th minute, finishing a smart pass from Boumassaoudi to make it 3–1. Morocco’s compact defense and ruthless counterattacks proved decisive, frustrating the U.S. throughout the second half.
Morocco’s road to the semifinals has been one of resilience and determination. After an early 0–1 loss to Mexico in the group stage, they bounced back to beat Brazil (2–1), Spain (2–0), and South Korea (2–1) before eliminating the USA.
This marks Morocco’s third-ever appearance at the U-20 World Cup, having last reached the semifinals two decades ago when they finished fourth.For the USA, this result ends a promising run that included emphatic wins over New Caledonia (9–1), France (3–0), and Italy (3–0) in earlier rounds.
Morocco will play the winner of France vs Norway in the semifinals on Wednesday at 9 p.m. (Nigerian time) in Valparaíso. The other semifinal will feature Argentina vs Colombia, while the third-place match is set for Saturday at 8 p.m., and the final on Sunday at midnight (Nigerian time).
