Morocco and Argentina secure final spots

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Thursday Oct 16, 2025. 10:25

Morocco and Argentina booked their places in the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup final after two enthralling semi-final matches.

The Young Atlas Lions of Morocco edged out 2013 world champions France 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander in Valparaíso, Chile on Thursday.

It was a match which saw Lucas Michal hand France a 19th-minute lead, but Lisandru Olmeta netted an own-goal to make it 1-1 in the 32nd minute.

Morocco went on to reach the final for the first time and they will be looking to become the second African nation to win the tournament after Ghana, who clinched it in 2009.

“They know very well that they are not alone,” Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco coach, said, ahead of the final.

“They are supported and encouraged by an entire nation, by a King, and that gives them wings. God willing, we will continue.”

Meanwhile, Argentina sneaked into the final after claiming a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Colombia at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday.

Mateo Silvetti grabbed his third goal of the tournament in the 72nd minute and Argentina are now hoping to win this competotion for a record seventh time.

The final is scheduled to take place at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos on Monday, with the match kicking off at 1 am CAT.

France, on the other hand, will meet Colombia in Sunday’s third-place match at the same venue. Kick-off is at 9 pm CAT.