The Morocco U-20 national team pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the tournament by eliminating the United States with a 3-1 victory in the quarterfinals of the U-20 World Cup in Chile. The result sends the North African side to the semifinals, where they will face the winner between France and Norway.

How did the match unfold in Chile?

The game began with the Americans pressing high and dominating possession, while Morocco opted for a more conservative and disciplined defensive setup. However, the first blow came from the African side in the 31st minute.

After a chaotic sequence inside the box, Fouad Zahouani (Union Touarga) capitalized on a rebound from close range to put Morocco ahead. The goal disrupted the U.S. defense and shifted the momentum of the game.

Just before halftime, the referee Kevin Ortega (Peru) awarded a penalty after Ali Maamar pulled down Norris inside the area. Cole Campbell converted from the spot in the 45+6 minute, giving the Stars and Stripes hope heading into the break.

How did Morocco secure the win?

The second half mirrored the first — the U.S. controlled possession, but Morocco was far more clinical and patient, waiting for their chance to strike. The turning point came in the 67th minute when a shot from Yassir Zabiri took an unfortunate deflection off Joshua Wynder, resulting in an own goal that put Morocco back in front.

The Lions of the Atlas sealed their spot in the semifinals in the 87th minute after a mix-up between Habroune and goalkeeper Adam Beaudry allowed Ilias Boumassaoudi to set up Gessime Yassine, who calmly finished for the 3-1 scoreline.

What does this result mean for Morocco?

With this win, Morocco equals its best-ever performance at a U-20 World Cup — a fourth-place finish back in 2005 — and cements its status as one of the tournament’s biggest revelations in Chile.

Meanwhile, the United States bows out after a strong yet inconsistent run, unable to overcome Morocco’s tactical discipline and mental composure.

For the Americans, the dream ends in the quarterfinals — but for Morocco, it’s just beginning.