The U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team is poised for a significant challenge as they face Morocco in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Scheduled for Sunday, October 12, at 4 p.m. ET at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, Chile, the USA is aiming for a spot in the semifinals, an achievement they have only accomplished once before, back in 1989.
Fresh off an impressive 3-0 victory over Italy in the Round of 16, the U.S. side, led by coach Marko Mitrovic, is looking to build on this momentum. This match will mark the team’s fifth consecutive quarterfinal appearance, stretching back to the 2015 tournament in New Zealand, where the squad fell to Serbia in a nail-biting penalty shootout. Under Mitrovic, who was an assistant coach for that Serbian team, the U.S. hopes to finally break the quarterfinal barrier.
The U.S. roster boasts a diverse mix of talent, featuring 11 players born in 2005 and showcasing significant contributions from multiple clubs, especially from Major League Soccer. Captain Benjamin Cremaschi, currently on loan at Serie A side Parma, is the leading scorer of the tournament, holding first place in the Golden Boot race after notching five goals, including a brace against Italy. This exceptional performance has also set a new U.S. record for goals in a single U-20 World Cup, breaking the previous record held by notable players like Taylor Twellman and Josh Sargent.
Morocco, making just their fourth World Cup appearance, reached this stage after a strong showing in Group C, where they collected two wins against Spain and Brazil. They secured their quarterfinal spot with a 2-1 victory over Korea Republic in the Round of 16. Known for their hard-fought style, Morocco will pose a tough test for the U.S. with their recent success at youth tournaments, including their impressive performance at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Interestingly, the two teams have met in friendlies as recently as September, where the U.S. triumphed 4-1 in one match and the second matchup ended in a 0-0 draw. However, it’s worth noting that Morocco has previously claimed a decisive 4-0 victory over the U.S. at the quarterfinal stage of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
As both teams prepare for this critical matchup, coach Mitrovic emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and humility. Following the victory over Italy, he inspired his players to harness their emotions and recover quickly to give their best effort for the next match.
With a rich history in the tournament, the U.S. has participated in 18 of the 24 FIFA U-20 World Cups, showcasing their talent on the international stage. As they strive towards creating new memories and potentially advancing to their first semifinal in over three decades, fans eagerly anticipate what could be a historic moment for the team.