It's a poster that few would have imagined, but it's there. This Wednesday in Valparaíso, France U20 faces Morocco U20 in the semi-final of the World Cup, in an unexpected shock but full of promise. The Bleuets, decimated by forfeits, deprived of executives and constantly criticized, find themselves 90 minutes from a world final, 12 years after the Pogba generation. Facing them, the Lion Cubs of the Atlas, carried by a golden generation and historic momentum, dream of competing in their first final in the category.
France – Morocco U20: a half that looks like revenge
In the background of this confrontation, there is the memory of France – Morocco of 2022, among the A. But this time, no Mbappé or Ziyech. Make way for young people, revelations, and the unpredictable. On the French side, the Bouabré affair shook the group. Recalled by his Saudi club after his double against Norway, his absence weakens an already weakened team. Diomède will have to rely on Lucas Michal, a formidable finisher, and the creative Le Borgne. Opposite, Morocco relies on the talented Yassine and Maamma.
France U20 will once again rely on Elyaz Zidane to hold the house behind.
A diminished France but full of character
Despite an assumed outsider status, France was built through adversity. Noham Kamara secures the rearguard, while Elyaz Zidane, long criticized, continues his rise to power.
“This group has character”affirms Diomedes, who refuses fatalism. If the automatisms are sometimes fragile, the desire compensates. The cancellation of the yellow cards makes it possible to count on the entire group, with the exception of Ali Maâmr (suspended on the Moroccan side).
Two visions of football, the same dream
Beyond the field, this match is an opposition of models. On the Moroccan side, the hybrid strategy – between local training and binationals – impresses observers. France, on the other hand, moves forward instinctively, driven by history and a tradition of training. Whatever the outcome, this semi-final will mark a generation. And perhaps it will offer symbolic revenge to those who still dream of the evening of Doha.
📅 Practical information |
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|---|---|
| Match | France U20 🇫🇷 vs 🇲🇦 Morocco U20 |
| Competition | Semi-final – U20 World Cup |
| Date | Wednesday October 15, 2025 |
| Hour | 10:00 p.m. (🇫🇷 French time), 9:00 p.m. (🇲🇦 Moroccan time) |
| Stadium | Elías Figueroa Brander Stadium, Valparaíso (Chile) |
The probable lineups for the Morocco U20 – France U20 match
Morocco U20: Benchaouch – Zahouany, Bakhty, Baouf, Maâma – El Haddad, Khalifi, Byar, Maamma – Zabiri, Yassine.
France U20: Olmeta – Bourgault, Zidane, Kamara, Beyuku – Le Borgne, Benama – Bermont, Michal, Touré – N’Guessan.
📺 Streaming & TV broadcast |
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| 🇫🇷France | The Team Channel (TV) / lequipe.fr (streaming) |
| 🇲🇦 Morocco | Arryadia TNT / beIN Sports MENA / beIN Connect |
| 🌍 International | FIFA+ (free streaming, registration required) |
