Overview

• France and Morocco drew 1-1 in Valparaíso before Morocco won the semifinal 5-4 on penalties to book a place in the final.
• Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi brought on Mesbahi specifically for the shootout, and he saved the decisive attempt from Djylian N’Guessan.
• France’s squad was heavily depleted, with roughly 40 club refusals to release players and the mid-tournament recall of key scorer Saïmon Bouabré.
• Coach Bernard Diomède said France had practiced penalties and voiced regret after the exit; the team faces Colombia in Saturday’s third-place match.
• Morocco’s run has featured high-profile wins earlier in the tournament over Spain, Brazil and the United States.