Morocco’s under-20 “Atlas Cubs” stunned France in a dramatic shootout to reach their first FIFA U20 World Cup final — a moment of pride for Morocco and all of Africa. Their next test: mighty Argentina.
Morocco’s under-20 soccer team, the Atlas Cubs, made history Thursday by defeating France 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach their first FIFA U20 World Cup final.
🇲🇦 Historic!
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 15, 2025
Morocco will play its first #U20WC final!
The semifinal in Valparaíso was a tense, tactical match. Morocco took an early lead in the 31st minute when French goalkeeper Lisandru Olmeta deflected Yassir Zabiri’s penalty off the post and into his own net. France equalized in the 59th minute through Lucas Michal, sending the match to extra time.
Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yanis Benchaouch, made several key saves before leaving with an injury. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi brought on Ibrahim Gomis and later Abdelhakim Mesbahi, whose crucial save from Djylian N’Guessan in the shootout sealed Morocco’s dramatic victory.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi praised his players’ “patriotism, discipline, and ambition,” telling Morocco’s official news agency MAP that the team “embodies true Moroccan values and the courage to dream beyond limits.”
Fans in Casablanca poured into the streets waving flags and chanting “Dima Maghrib” as local outlets hailed the night as one that “will redefine Moroccan football.”
The Confederation of African Football called the win a “proud moment for African football,” noting that Morocco joins Nigeria and Ghana as the only African nations to reach a U20 World Cup final.
The Atlas Cubs’ run caps a breakthrough tournament that saw them defeat Spain, Brazil, South Korea, the United States, and France. Their strong defense, creative play, and tactical discipline have drawn praise across the football world.
Morocco’s rise reflects years of investment in youth football infrastructure, led by the Mohammed VI Football Academy, which has produced several national-team players now competing in Europe.
For African football, the team’s progress represents another milestone in the continent’s development on the global stage.
Morocco will face Argentina, a six-time U20 world champion, in Sunday’s final at Santiago’s Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos. Argentina advanced with a 1-0 win over Colombia in the other semifinal. The Atlas Cubs aim to become the second African nation to win the FIFA U20 World Cup.
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