Morocco booked their place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France, following a tense 1–1 draw that stretched through 120 minutes at the Elías Figueroa Brande Stadium.
The North Africans held their nerve to triumph 6–5 in the shootout on Wednesday night, securing a historic berth in the final where they will face the winner of Thursday’s Colombia–Argentina clash.
Morocco opened the scoring in the 32nd minute after Yassir Zabiri’s penalty deflected off French defender Lisandru Olmeta and found the net. France drew level shortly after the break through Lucas Michal’s precise finish in the 59th minute, setting up a gripping contest that remained deadlocked despite several late chances from both sides.
The Atlas Cubs suffered a setback when first-choice goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch was forced off injured early in the second half, with Ibrahim Gomis stepping in between the posts.
France’s hopes took a blow in extra time when Rabby Nzingoula was sent off for a second yellow card, giving Morocco the numerical advantage — though they couldn’t capitalize before the final whistle.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, Morocco remained composed, converting all six of their spot-kicks through Younes El Bahraoui, Ilias Boumassaoudi, Yassir Zabiri, Mohamed Hamony, Saad El Haddad, and Byar.
France, who missed one of their attempts, will now contest the third-place play-off, while Morocco march into the final dreaming of their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup title.
