Morocco’s U20 national team, the Atlas Cubs, delivered a stunning 3–1 upset over tournament favorites USA in the quarterfinals of the FIFA U20 World Cup, booking their place in the semifinals for the first time in 20 years.
Playing at Rancagua in Chile, the Americans controlled possession for much of the match but struggled to break down Morocco’s resolute and well-organized defense. The North Africans, in contrast, struck with clinical precision on the counterattack.
Morocco opened the scoring in the 31st minute when Othmane Maamma broke down the right flank and squared the ball across goal for Fouad Zahouani to slot home.
Despite their dominance in possession, the USA found few clear chances. They were handed a lifeline just before halftime when Ali Maamar fouled Nolan Norris in the box. Cole Campbell stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to level the score at 1–1.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with the USA pressing forward but lacking bite in the final third. Morocco punished them again in the 67th minute as a long throw-in from Zahouani caused chaos in the American box, leading to an own goal by defender Joshua Wynder.
Desperate to equalize, the USA pushed higher, only to be caught out again in the 87th minute. A defensive lapse allowed Gessime Yassine to pounce and seal a memorable victory for Morocco with a third goal.
With this win, the Atlas Cubs become the only remaining African team in the tournament and continue Morocco’s impressive recent run on the global football stage. They will face France in the semifinals.
This U20 success adds to Morocco’s growing international pedigree, following the senior team’s historic semifinal finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
