Miracle in Chile: Morocco U-20 Dethrones France to Reach the World Cup Final

Road to the Final

Morocco’s under-20 team, coached by Mohammed Wahbi, wrote a historic chapter by reaching the FIFA U-20 World Cup final in Chile for the first time, after a 1-1 draw and a dramatic penalty win over France.

This achievement sparked overwhelming joy across Moroccan cities, reflecting the notable development and leaps in Moroccan football across all levels.

Tactical Battle and Key Moments

Wahbi continued to rely on the lineup he calls the “magic formula,” which shone in the group phase, including victories over Brazil and Spain. The squad featured Taha Mejni, a solid defensive pairing Ismail Baouf and Ismail El Bakhti, and a fearsome attacking trio of Jasem Yassin, Othman Maama, and top scorer Yasser Zabiri.

Captain Hussam Al-Sadiq returned to the starting XI, strengthening the core alongside Haddad in midfield to maintain balance and drive.

Against France, Wahbi, trained in Belgium and known for his adherence to principles, opted for a bold approach by pressing high from the start rather than sitting back. The plan aimed to disrupt France’s rhythm and neutralize their key playmaker, with Morocco dictating terms early on.

The opening goal came when Zabiri’s spot kick after a Baouf foul hit the post and deflected in to give Morocco a 1-0 lead, a moment that sparked enormous momentum for the North Africans. A near-miss shortly after—Jasem testing the French keeper with a powerful strike—hinted at more to come before halftime.

France responded with purpose, and in the 52nd minute Lucas of Monaco levelled for the visitors, capitalizing on a lapse in the Moroccan defense. Morocco faced a late scare when their goalkeeper Benchaouch collided with the post and had to be replaced by Gomez, but the defense held firm as the regulated 90 minutes finished at 1-1.

Extra Time, Red Card, and Penalty Triumph

Backed by a raucous Moroccan contingent, the Black and Green continued to press in extra time. In the 107th minute, France’s Zingoula was sent off after a second yellow, giving Morocco a numerical edge and the momentum to push for a late winner. Two close-range Maama chances in the 112th and 114th minutes went begging as fatigue and razor-thin margins shaped the closing stages.

Ultimately, Morocco prevailed in the shootout, converting all five penalties to advance 5-4 and book a place in the final for the first time in its history. They now await the winner of Argentina vs Colombia, continuing a remarkable run that has captivated spectators across the football world.

Humor break: If football is chess, Morocco just played speed chess with a coffee habit—bold, fast, and somehow still caffeinated enough to finish the game. Punchline two: Morocco’s trophy cabinet might need a passport soon—it’s about to travel more than most teams do in a season.