Morocco Secures Historic U20 World Cup Semifinal Berth with 3-1 Victory over USA
Morocco’s U20 national football team, the “Atlas Cubs,” delivered a performance marked by tactical discipline and clinical finishing to defeat the United States 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, securing a historic place in the tournament’s semifinals for only the second time in the nation’s history.
The hard-fought contest at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua on Sunday saw the North African side overcome a dominant possession display from the Americans, relying on a potent counter-attacking threat and defensive resilience to see them through.
Battle of Styles in the First Half
The U.S. side, fresh off a convincing victory in the Round of 16, started the match with aggressive intent, dictating the tempo and holding a significant share of possession. However, Morocco, coached by Mohamed Ouahbi, remained resolute, absorbing the pressure and looking for opportunities on the break.
The Atlas Cubs struck first against the run of play in the 31st minute. A well-executed move saw Yassir Zabiri capitalize on a rebound after an initial flick from Othmane Maamma was saved by U.S. goalkeeper Adam Beaudry. Zabiri was perfectly positioned to tap home from close range, giving Morocco a crucial 1-0 lead.
The Americans pushed hard for an equalizer, which finally arrived deep into first-half stoppage time. Following a VAR review for a foul in the box, U.S. forward Cole Campbell stepped up to confidently convert the resulting penalty kick in the 45+6 minute, leveling the score at 1-1 just before the break.
Second-Half Decisiveness Seals the Win
The second half became a more open, back-and-forth affair, but it was Morocco who regained the decisive advantage. In the 66th minute, an own goal restored the African side’s lead. Following a long throw-in, an attempted defensive clearance by American center-back Josh Wynder deflected the ball past his own keeper and into the net, putting Morocco ahead 2-1.
Despite falling behind, the U.S. continued to press, creating several opportunities and dominating the corner count (12 to Morocco’s 3). However, the Moroccan defense held firm, and their strategy of exploiting the space left behind the advancing American lines proved to be the winning formula.
The final blow came in the 87th minute on a swift counterattack. Substitute Ilias Boumassaoudi delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Gessime Yassine, who finished clinically to seal the 3-1 victory and send the Moroccan bench into jubilant celebration.
Historic Achievement and Semifinal Look Ahead
The win marks a monumental achievement for the young Atlas Lions, securing their first U20 World Cup semifinal appearance since 2005. The victory not only eliminates a formidable U.S. side—which exits at the quarterfinal stage for the fifth consecutive tournament—but also highlights Morocco’s impressive run through a challenging tournament draw, including earlier victories over powerhouses like Spain and Brazil.
Coach Ouahbi’s squad has showcased a blend of defensive tenacity and attacking efficiency that makes them genuine title contenders.
Morocco will now face the winner of the quarterfinal match between France and Norway in the semifinal round, scheduled for Wednesday, as they continue their quest to make history in Chile.
