Rancagua, Chile – The United States Under-20 Men’s National Team saw its FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign come to an end Sunday after a 3–1 quarterfinal loss to Morocco, despite dominating much of the match in possession and scoring chances.
Head coach Marko Mitrović made only one adjustment from the lineup that beat Italy in the Round of 16, bringing in Matthew Corcoran to strengthen the midfield. The tactical setup paid off early as the U.S. controlled the tempo, recording 76 percent possession in the first half and creating multiple dangerous opportunities.
Early Dominance, Sudden Setback
The Americans nearly struck first in the 14th minute when Frankie Westfield delivered a sharp cross toward Zavier Gozo, but Morocco’s Ali Mamaar cleared the ball for a corner. Minutes later, Benjamin Cremaschi and Brooklyn Raines combined for another promising chance that goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch brilliantly denied.
In the 28th minute, Gozo came inches from breaking the deadlock after his cross from the wing rattled the crossbar. Yet, against the run of play, Morocco took the lead in the 31st minute. After a midfield tussle that appeared to involve a foul on Raines, Saad El Haddad advanced the ball to Othmane Maamma, whose rebound found Yassir Zabiri for an easy finish. Mitrović challenged the call, but after video review, the goal stood.
Equalizer Before the Break
The U.S. refused to fold. Just before halftime, Corcoran lofted a cross into the box where Mamaar brought down Nolan Norris. The referee awarded a penalty, confirmed after another review, and Cole Campbell calmly buried it into the right corner for his second goal of the tournament, leveling the score 1–1 at halftime.
Morocco Takes Control
Morocco came out stronger in the second half, turning the match into a fast-paced contest. In the 66th minute, Fouad Zahouani’s long throw-in ricocheted off American defender Josh Wynder and slipped past goalkeeper Adam Beaudry, putting Morocco ahead 2–1. A U.S. challenge for a throw-in violation was denied, keeping the goal on the board.
Despite several late pushes, including shots from Taha Habroune, Reed Baker-Whiting, and Luke Brennan, the Americans couldn’t find an equalizer. Morocco sealed the result in the 88th minute when a long clearance led to a defensive miscue between Habroune and Beaudry. The loose ball fell to Illias Boumassaoudi, who set up Gessime Yassine to fire home the decisive third goal.
Heartbreak Despite Strong Performance
Statistically, the U.S. dominated, outshooting Morocco 14–7 and earning 12 corner kicks to their opponent’s three, but the North Africans proved more clinical and composed in front of goal.
The loss ends what had been a remarkable tournament for the young Americans, highlighted by commanding 3–0 victories over France and Italy. It also delays their bid to reach the U-20 World Cup semifinals for the first time since 1989.
“We played brave, creative soccer, but football is a game of moments,” Mitrović said after the match. “Morocco capitalized on theirs. Our players will grow from this experience.”
As Morocco advances to the semifinals, the U.S. U-20s return home proud of their achievements, showcasing a new generation of American talent ready to carry the national team’s ambitions into the future.
By The Midtown Times Sports Desk
October 12, 2025 — Rancagua, Chile
