U-20 World Cup: France fall on penalties to Morocco
In the U-20 World Cup semifinals, France and Morocco battled to a one-all draw before the Atlas Lions prevailed on penalties. Catch up on all the action from Chile with our match recap.
A dominant France trail at the break
Played in the sunny afternoon of Valparaiso, this match between the two rivals who had impressed to date in the tournament had the makings of a nervy encounter, and so it proved in a taut clash in which both sides had plenty of chances. Manager Bernard Diomedé lined his side up with some half dozen of Ligue 1 McDonald's most promising youngsters, and they started with the bit between their teeth, pinning back their Moroccan counterparts and dominating the ball.
The match would turn, however, on a VAR review just before the half hour, as the referee was called to look at a foul in the box on the part of defender Andrea Le Borgne. After it initially hit the post, it unfortunately caromed off the back of goalkeeper Lisandru Olmeta (SC Bastia). Ruled an own goal, it was undeserved and gave Morocco a lead they would take in to the break.
The first #U20WC semi-final is going to extra-time!
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 15, 2025
Michal saves France's blushes but morocco prevail
Into the second half, France came back out with a vengeance, and their attacking drive was soon was rewarded by a strike from AS Monaco's Lucas Michal. The prolific striker from the Principality netted his fifth goal of the tournament in style, turning in a low cross from the penalty spot with a nifty backheel finish from a cross by Moustapha Dabo (FC Nantes).
Dabo and Tidjiane Mmadi (Olympique de Marseille) were instrumental in adding to France's play, but Les Bleuets got no further than level, and the match headed to extra time. In the second half of extra time, Strasbourg midfielder Rabby Nzingoula was sent off, but France continued to push and a golden chance for Djylian N'Guessan (Saint-Étienne) two minutes from time was blocked at the last.
In the shootout, both Olmeta and his counterpart, Marseille's Ibrahim Gomis both made a save among the first five penalties, but in sudden death N'Guessan was again unlucky, seeing his effort kept out. France will now play in the third place match on Saturday, leaving themselves a chance to pick up a medal despite a frustrating evening.
