Morocco U20 Aims for a Historic Upset: Eyeing a Semi vs USA
11 October 2025
Preview: Morocco U20 vs USA U20 in Chile’s knockout phase
The Moroccan under-20 team is poised to script a new chapter in a recent golden era, facing the United States in the FIFA U-20 World Cup quarterfinals in Chile. They stand as the lone Arab-African side left in the knockout rounds and the only team from outside the Americas and Europe still standing.
Under coach Mohamed Wahbi, the squad hopes to echo a 2005 pathway that saw Morocco reach the semi-finals in the Netherlands before finishing fourth after a loss to Brazil in the third-place playoff.
Wahbi eyes becoming the third Moroccan coach to guide a Moroccan side to the U-20 World Cup semi-finals, joining Jamal Fathi (2005, youth) and Walid Regraki (senior team, Qatar 2022).
The team is ready for a stern test against the USA, built around a dangerous attacking trio featuring Maama, Jasem, and Zabiri, with no major suspensions and a full-strength lineup.
USA seeks revenge for Olympic heartbreak
Heading into this clash, the teams met twice in warm-ups: the United States won the first 4-1, while the second ended in a draw. The Americans arrive intent on turning Olympic heartbreak into a World Cup breakthrough, following a heavy Olympic loss to Morocco in the same era.
On their path to this meeting, the U.S. youth side eliminated Italy 4-0, while Morocco edged Korea 2-1, albeit conceding a late penalty that frustrated Wahbi, who lamented recurring late-game slips at the back.
Wahbi also cautioned about a troubling trend: three penalties conceded by Morocco from handballs inside the box—one against Brazil, one against Mexico, and another against Korea. He noted that video review intervened six times in the tournament to overturn calls thanks to the tournament’s new green-card rule.
“There’s no mystery beyond over-enthusiasm; we must stay calm against the United States, one of the strongest and most aggressive teams in the tournament,” Wahbi said. He credited Walid Regraki’s 2022 Qatar success as a source of inspiration and motivation for their own project: “Regraki sparked belief; his historic achievement gave us hope and ambition to compete at the highest levels.”
He emphasized that Morocco’s year has been one of widespread success across age groups and formats, highlighting a crescendo of Moroccan finals appearances and titles that underline a broader football project. The federation’s strategic plan aims to push Moroccan football to the farthest reaches of continental and global competition, strengthening the country’s standing on the world stage.
Looking for a sixth straight milestone for Moroccan teams
As the campaign continues, Morocco’s youth and senior programs have combined in a year marked by progress and pride. The under-17s won Africa’s Nations Cup, the women’s futsal team claimed the African title, and the domestic league produced a string of strong showings. The under-20s chasing a semi-final would mark a sixth consecutive major finish for Moroccan teams across categories, aligning with a broader national strategy to cement Morocco’s status in world football.
Wahbi’s men know they face a strong, well-rounded American squad, but they believe their own momentum and tactical discipline can carry them to a landmark result. If they advance, it would further validate a long-term plan that prioritizes competitive performance across all levels of Moroccan football.
And if luck tilts in their favor, expect a celebration not just of a result but of a rising footballing nation that keeps turning potential into achievement. If Morocco pulls it off, the trophy might need a passport—it's about to cross oceans. If not, at least the Wi‑Fi in the locker room stays strong for the post-match analysis.
