2025 FIFA U17 Men’s World Cup: Morocco beat USA on penalties to reach Round 16

Morocco have reached the Round 16 stage of the 2025 FIFA U17 Men’s World Cup after defeating the USA on penalties on Friday.

Nabil Baha’s Young Atlas Cubs entered the match on the back of their historic 16-0 victory over New Caledonia, but faced a much tougher challenge against a strong USA side that topped Group I, boasting talents like Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert.

The Americans came into the encounter with three group-stage wins, having scored four goals and conceded just once.

The USA struck first in the 21st minute, with Sullivan’s clever build-up play setting up Terry J. for the opener. The first half grew tense, featuring an on-field confrontation and several cautions as both teams battled for control.

After the break, the Americans squandered a golden opportunity when they missed a penalty that could have sealed the result. Morocco were later denied a clear penalty of their own as the intensity continued to rise.

Coach Baha introduced fresh legs as his side pushed desperately for the equaliser, and their persistence finally paid off in the 90th minute when Abdellah Ouzaane produced a stunning Maradona-style solo effort to level the score. Ouzaane went off injured shortly after, but Morocco held on to force penalties.

In the shoot-out, Bellaarouch emerged as the hero, saving two spot-kicks, including the decisive fifth, to send Morocco through to the Round of 16.

The Young Atlas Cubs will now face Mali on November 18, after the West Africans claimed a 3–1 victory over Zambia in their Round of 32 fixture.