The U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team is set to face Morocco in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. This match is scheduled for October 12 at 4 p.m. ET, taking place at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, Chile. The U.S. comes into the match after a convincing 3-0 victory against Italy in the Round of 16, aiming for a spot in the semifinals for the first time since 1989.
Upcoming Match Details
- Match Date: October 12
- Opponent: Morocco
- Venue: Estadio El Teniente, Rancagua, Chile
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: FOX Soccer Plus, Universo, Peacock USA
Looking Ahead: U.S. Quarterfinal History
This match will mark the USA’s fifth consecutive quarterfinal appearance in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The team’s previous quarterfinal exit was marked back in 2015 when they lost on penalties to Serbia, the eventual champions. Under head coach Marko Mitrović, the squad aims to break this cycle and reach the semifinals.
U.S. Team Performance
Throughout the tournament, the U.S. has scored a total of 16 goals, surpassing their record for most goals in a single U-20 World Cup. Captain Benjamin Cremaschi leads the scoring chart with five goals, following a hat trick against New Caledonia and a brace against Italy.
Morocco’s Journey to the Quarterfinals
Morocco has made a commendable run in the tournament, topping Group C with a standout win against Spain (2-0) and Brazil (1-0). They advanced from the Round of 16 with a 2-1 victory over Korea Republic. This marks Morocco’s fourth appearance in the U-20 World Cup, showcasing their growth in the tournament landscape.
Morocco’s Key Players
- Yassir Zabiri: Scored in the Round of 16
- Own Goal: Contributed to their early lead against Korea Republic
Historical Context
This quarterfinal clash will be the first encounter between the U.S. and Morocco at the U-20 World Cup. The teams previously faced each other in friendly matches last month, with the U.S. winning 4-1 and then drawing 0-0. Both teams are familiar with high-stakes matchups, having met in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Summer Olympics, where Morocco claimed victory.
Looking Forward
As the U.S. prepares for this significant clash, Coach Mitrović emphasized the importance of recovery and focus for the next match, urging his players to channel their emotions positively. The stakes are high, and both teams are keen to advance further in this prestigious tournament.
