History beckons for Morocco as the North African side storms into their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup final, where they will face six-time champions Argentina after a dramatic night of football in Chile.
Morocco edged France 6-5 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw that lasted 120 minutes at the Elías Figueroa Brande Stadium in Valparaíso.
The young Atlas Lions took the lead in the 32nd minute when Yassir Zabiri’s penalty deflected off French defender Lisandru Olmeta and rolled into the net — officially recorded as an own goal.
France equalized in the 59th minute through Lucas Michal, who fired home from close range. Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find a breakthrough in extra time.
Morocco’s shot-stopper Yanis Benchaouch was forced off injured, with Ibrahim Gomis stepping in to finish the game strong. France’s hopes dimmed when Rabby Nzingoula was sent off after a second yellow card.
In the nerve-wracking penalty shootout, Morocco kept their cool as Younes El Bahraoui, Ilias Boumassaoudi, Zabiri, Mohamed Hamony, Saad El Haddad, and Byar all found the net to seal a famous 6-5 win.
Meanwhile, in Santiago, Argentina edged past Colombia 1-0 thanks to Mateo Silvetti’s 74th-minute strike, assisted by Gianluca Prestianni. Colombia’s late red card dashed their comeback hopes.
With the victory, Morocco become only the third African nation — after Ghana and Nigeria — to reach the U-20 World Cup final.
The showdown between Argentina and Morocco is set for Monday, October 20, while France and Colombia will battle for third place on Saturday, October 18.