Overview

• Morocco beat France 1-1 (5-4 on penalties) in Valparaíso to advance to the U20 World Cup final.
• Coach Mohamed Ouahbi introduced third-choice goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi for the shootout, and he saved the decisive attempt from Djylian N’Guessan.
• The opener came from a penalty awarded via FIFA’s trial ‘green card’ VAR intervention, with the kick rebounding off French keeper Lisandru Olmeta’s back into the net.
• Morocco will face Argentina in the final, while France plays for third place on Saturday.
• France’s run came despite a depleted squad due to club release refusals and the mid‑tournament recall of Saïmon Bouabré, as Morocco’s rise parallels the senior team’s 16 straight official wins.