2025 U20 World Cup: Morocco and France set for high-stakes showdown in semi-final

Morocco will face France in the first semi-final of the 2025 U20 World Cup on Wednesday night, with a place in the final at stake.

The clash, set for 8:00 PM GMT at the Estadio Elias Figueroa Brander in Valparaíso, promises to be a tense and tactical duel between two sides rich in young talent and ambition.

Both nations have met before on the world stage, most memorably at senior level during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where France triumphed 2-0 in the semi-finals.

Three years on, their U20 sides meet again — and Morocco will see this as a chance for symbolic revenge while France aims to reaffirm its dominance at youth level.

The French team, led by coach Bernard Diomède, comes into the contest with growing confidence.

After a difficult group stage that saw them finish third, the Bleuets have hit their stride in the knockout rounds, eliminating Japan and Norway to book their place in the last four.

The 2013 champions — a generation that featured Paul Pogba, Florian Thauvin, and Lucas Digne — are now chasing another shot at glory, hoping to add a second title to their history.

For Morocco, the journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side has displayed tactical discipline, mental resilience, and attacking flair throughout the tournament.

The Lion Cubs emerged from a daunting group that included Brazil and Spain, before knocking out South Korea and the United States — both considered favourites for the title.

Their run has captured the imagination of fans across Africa and beyond, as they aim to reach their first-ever U20 World Cup final.

Memories of 2005 still linger for Moroccan supporters.

That year, a talented squad fell short in the semi-finals against Nigeria, losing 3-0.

Two decades later, Ouahbi’s players are determined to go one step further and write a new chapter in Moroccan football history.

For both teams, Wednesday’s encounter represents more than just a semi-final — it’s a battle of generations, philosophies, and national pride.

France’s technical precision will be tested against Morocco’s energy and collective determination in what promises to be one of the most gripping fixtures of the tournament.