Morocco Make History, Reach First-Ever FIFA U20 World Cup Final

Morocco have made history by becoming only the third African nation to reach the FIFA U20 World Cup final, following in the footsteps of Ghana and Nigeria.

The North Africans achieved the milestone on Wednesday night after a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over France, following a tense 1-1 draw after extra time.

It was a performance full of courage, discipline, and tactical brilliance from the young Atlas Lions, who held their nerve to overcome the European giants and book a historic place in Sunday’s final.

Morocco took the lead in the 32nd minute when French goalkeeper Lisandru Olmeta mistakenly turned the ball into his own net. France hit back in the 59th minute through Lucas Michel, setting up a tight contest that went the distance.

With the score still level at 1-1 after extra time, Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi made a bold decision — bringing on third-choice goalkeeper Abdelhakim El Mesbahi specifically for the shootout.

The move paid off brilliantly. El Mesbahi, who had not played in any of Morocco’s previous matches, saved France’s final spot-kick from Djylian Nguessan to seal a 5-4 win.

Interestingly, El Mesbahi came prepared — he had printed headshots of France’s penalty takers on his water bottle, along with a small chart showing where each player might aim their shot. His research and composure under pressure made the difference.

Earlier in the match, Morocco’s first-choice goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch was forced off injured and replaced by Ibrahim Gomis in the 64th minute, before El Mesbahi came on at the end of extra time for the decisive moment.

Morocco’s journey to the final has been remarkable. They topped a tough group that included Spain and Brazil, before beating South Korea and the United States in the knockout stages. Their previous best finish in the tournament was fourth place in 2005.

With this victory, Morocco join Ghana — champions in 2009 — and Nigeria, who were runners-up in 1989 and 2005, as the only African nations to reach the U20 World Cup final.

The Atlas Lions will now face Argentina in Sunday’s final, after Mateo Silvetti’s goal helped the South Americans edge past Colombia 1-0 in the other semi-final.

Africa will be watching with pride as Morocco chase history in the championship match.