Following arduous triumphs in their respective semifinal matches, Morocco and Argentina will square off in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup final.
After a 1-1 stalemate that lasted 120 agonizing minutes at the Elías Figueroa Brande Stadium in Valparaíso, Morocco defeated France 6-5 on penalties to secure their spot in the historic final.
In the 32nd minute, Yassir Zabiri gave Morocco the lead from the penalty spot, but the attempt was officially called an own goal as it bounced off French defender Lisandru Olmeta and into the net.
Lucas Michal’s close-range goal in the 59th minute gave France a response and tied the score. Neither team was able to find a victory in regular or extra time despite multiple late chances.
Ibrahim Gomis took over as goalkeeper for Morocco when Yanis Benchaouch was forced to be substituted early in the second half due to an injury.
When Rabby Nzingoula received a second yellow card in extra time, Les Bleuets had to play with 10 men, which dampened France’s aspirations.
Morocco maintained composure during the penalty shootout. Moroccan supporters celebrated wildly when 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.
At the Estadio Nacional de Santiago, Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0 in the other semifinal. Gianluca Prestianni helped Mateo Silvetti score the game-winning goal in the 74th minute. Later, Colombia’s chances of a comeback were dashed when they were reduced to 10 men.
Argentina, the tournament’s six-time champions, will now play Morocco on Monday, October 20, in an attempt to win a record-tying seventh championship.
Being the third African country to get to the U-20 World Cup final, following Ghana and Nigeria, this is a historic moment for Morocco.
On Saturday, October 18, France and Colombia will compete for third place.
