Morocco Vs France, FIFA U-20 World Cup SF: Mesbahi’s Heroics Send Atlas Cubs To Historic Final

Morocco edged past France 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time to reach their first FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 final, where they will face Argentina. Yassir Zabiri’s early penalty, which clipped the post and deflected off French keeper Lisandru Olmeta for an own goal, gave Morocco the lead, but France fought back through Lucas Michal’s equalizer. The match saw drama in extra time with France reduced to 10 men, and Morocco’s substitute goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi emerged as the hero in the shootout, saving Djylian N’Guessan’s penalty to seal the victory. Morocco also set a tournament record, scoring via an own goal for the third consecutive knockout match.

Updated on: 16 October 2025 11:21 am

FIFA U-20 World Cup: Morocco vs France | Photo: AP/Matias Delacroix

Morocco players celebrate defeating France in a penalty shootout during a FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinal soccer match at Elias Figueroa Brander Stadium in Valparaiso, Chile.

2/9

FIFA U-20 World Cup: France vs Morocco | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

France players walk off the field after losing to Morocco in a penalty shootout during a FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinal soccer match at Elias Figueroa Brander Stadium in Valparaiso, Chile.

3/9

FIFA U-20 World Cup SF: France vs Morocco

FIFA U-20 World Cup SF: Morocco vs France | Photo: AP/Matias Delacroix

Morocco's Fouad Zahouani celebrates with fans after defeating France in a penalty shootout during a FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinal soccer match at Elias Figueroa Brander Stadium in Valparaiso, Chile.

4/9

FIFA U-20 World Cup SF: Morocco vs France

FIFA U-20 World Cup SF: France vs Morocco | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

Teammates celebrate with Morocco's goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi after defeating France in a penalty shootout during a FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinal soccer match at Elias Figueroa Brander Stadium in Valparaiso, Chile.

5/9

FIFA U-20 World Cup Semifinal Soccer Match: France vs Morocco

FIFA U-20 World Cup Semifinal Soccer Match: Morocco vs France | Photo: AP/Matias Delacroix

France's Gady-Pierre Beyuku, left, and Morocco's Othmane Maamma vie for the ball during a FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinal soccer match at Elias Figueroa Brander Stadium in Valparaiso, Chile.

6/9

FIFA U-20 World Cup Semifinal Soccer Match: Morocco vs France

FIFA U-20 World Cup Semifinal Soccer Match: France vs Morocco | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

Morocco's Gessime Yassine dribbles challenged by France's Ilane Toure during a FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinal soccer match at Elias Figueroa Brander Stadium in Valparaiso, Chile.

7/9

Morocco France U20 WCup Soccer | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

France's goalkeeper Lisandru Olmeta blocks an attack by Morocco's Yassir Zabiri during a FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinal soccer match at Elias Figueroa Brander Stadium in Valparaiso, Chile.

8/9

France Morocco U20 WCup Soccer | Photo: AP/Andre Penner

France's Fode Sylla jumps over Morocco's Yassine Khalifi during a FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinal soccer match at Elias Figueroa Brander Stadium in Valparaiso, Chile.

9/9

Morocco vs France | Photo: AP/Matias Delacroix

Morocco's Yassir Zabiri celebrates his side's opening goal against France during a FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinal soccer match at Elias Figueroa Brander Stadium in Valparaiso, Chile.