The U.S.’s promising run at the U-20 World Cup ended in disappointment at the quarter-final stage for the fifth straight tournament, as Marko Mitrovic’s team fell 3-1 to Morocco in Rancagua, Chile, on Sunday.
The Americans had 73 percent of the possession but had just three shots on target, as they struggled to turn their dominance in midfield into clear opportunities and ultimately paid the price for defensive errors.
Wins over France and Italy in this tournament had shown the level of the team and raised hopes that the U.S. could reach the last four for just the second time and the first time since their 1989 run.
But it is Morocco, with their dogged defense and sharpness in attack, who advance to face the winners of France vs. Norway later on Sunday. On the other side of the bracket, Argentina will face Colombia in an all-South American semi-final.
The Americans started brightly and confidently, getting control in midfield and probing with intent, but chances were rare, with the first real effort somewhat accidental as Zavier Gozo’s cross from the left clipped the top of the bar.
Against the run of play, Morocco grabbed the lead in the 31st minute. Saad El Haddad did well to work space on the left to cross deep to the back post, where Othmane Maamma was able to keep the ball alive, under challenge, and slip it across to Fouad Zahouani, who found the target.
Morocco find the breakthrough first thanks to Yassir Zabiri 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/fVSgVTCDP0
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 12, 2025
Mitrovic may be unhappy with the way his defenders allowed that goal despite having good numbers in the box, but his team responded well and were able to go in level at the break thanks to a Cole Campbell penalty in stoppage time at the end of the half.
Nolan Norris went down after he was tugged on the shoulder by Ali Maamar, and although the North African side requested a review and the challenge looked soft, the referee stuck with his verdict, and Campbell squeezed the spot-kick into the corner past the outstretched arm of Yanis Benchaouch.
Cool. Calm. Collected. Campbell. pic.twitter.com/y4866ONZQc
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) October 12, 2025
There was little change to the pattern of the game after the break, but Morocco were able to get in front in the 67th minute when the U.S. defense failed to deal with a long throw into the box. As Yassir Zabiri flung his boot in the air, the ball bounced off the unfortunate Joshua Wynder and into his own net.
Now there was real urgency about the U.S.’s attacks. Francis Westfield went close with a diving header from the edge of the box, and Luke Brennan wasted a glorious chance for a late leveller when he was found unmarked at the back post, but his hurried shot flew high and wide.
With the U.S. throwing bodies forward in desperation, Morocco sealed the victory when a routine long ball led to confusion between substitute Taha Habroune and advancing keeper Adam Beaudry, and Ilias Boumassaoudi did well to slip the ball across to Gessime Yassine, who slotted into the unguarded goal.
The U.S. head out of the tournament with much to be proud of, but surely also with the feeling they could have achieved so much more.
Disaster for the USYNT and Morocco capitalize on the mistake to extend their lead 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/Tilw2RXfZy
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 12, 2025
