Morocco’s U-20 national team has written yet another golden chapter in their football history after storming into the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The Atlas Cubs defeated the USA 3–1 in a spirited quarterfinal showdown, equalling their legendary 2005 run to the last four.
Despite conceding the majority of possession, Morocco showcased elite tactical discipline and clinical finishing. Fouad Zahouani set the tempo with the opener, before Yassine Gessime added a second. The pressure forced USA defender Joshua Wynder into an own goal, sealing Morocco’s triumph. The Americans pulled one back from the spot through Cole Campbell after Ali Maamar was adjudged to have fouled inside the box, but it proved insufficient.
This historic semifinal qualification comes on the back of a remarkable tournament campaign. Morocco stunned Spain 2–0 in their opener, edged Brazil 2–1, and narrowly lost 1–0 to Mexico in the group stages. They went on to dispatch South Korea 2–1 in the Round of 16, setting up their big quarterfinal moment.
Standing between Morocco and a place in the final is powerhouse France, who defeated Norway 2–1 in their own quarterfinal fixture. The other semifinal will see heavyweights Argentina lock horns with Colombia, promising a blockbuster finish to the competition.
With the semifinals scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, and the final set for Monday next week, the football world watches keenly — could Morocco do what seemed unthinkable and reach the final for the first time in history?
