By Peter Omopo
Argentina have booked their place in the final of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Colombia in the semi-final on Thursday.
A 74th-minute strike from Mateo Silvetti proved decisive at the Estadio Nacional de Santiago, sending the Albicelestes into their eighth U-20 World Cup final, where they will face a history-making Morocco side.
Silvetti Delivers for Argentina
In a tightly contested match, Gianluca Prestianni carved open the Colombian defence on the right flank, delivering a precise assist that Silvetti powered home from close range to give Argentina the lead.
Colombia’s hopes of a comeback faded after a late red card left them with ten men, and despite pushing forward in the dying minutes, they were unable to breach Argentina’s resolute defence.
The victory sealed another final appearance for the six-time champions, who last lifted the trophy in 2007.
Morocco Make History
Argentina will now meet Morocco in the final on Monday, October 20, as the North African side became the first Moroccan and third African team (after Ghana and Nigeria) to reach the U-20 World Cup final.
The Atlas Cubs earned their spot with a dramatic penalty shootout win over France on Wednesday, after a tense 1–1 draw that lasted 120 minutes at the Elías Figueroa Brande Stadium.
Morocco opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when a Yassir Zabiri penalty was deflected into the net by French defender Lisandru Olmeta for an own goal.
France equalised in the 59th minute through Lucas Michal, and the two sides remained level through extra time, forcing a shootout.
Morocco held their nerve to convert six penalties to France’s five, with successful spot-kicks from Younes El Bahraoui, Ilias Boumassaoudi, Yassir Zabiri, Mohamed Hamony, Saad El Haddad, and Byar.
Third-Place Play-Off and the Road Ahead
France and Colombia will face off in the third-place play-off on Saturday, October 18.
For Argentina, Monday’s clash presents an opportunity to extend their record as the most successful team in U-20 World Cup history. For Morocco, it is a chance to crown a remarkable campaign with Africa’s first-ever triumph in the tournament.
