The 2025 FIFA U-2O World Cup in Chile has a semifinal stage with four nations that will be familiar to fans of international football. The first semifinal is a clash of arguably CONEMBOL’s top two nations presently. Argentina, the runners up in the 2025 CONEMBOL U-20 championship, take on Colombia, who finished third place in that tournament.
In the second semifinal, it’s France, who were semifinalists in the 2025 U-21 Euros, against Morocco, who reached reached the final of the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Argentina and France Reload With A Next Generation of Talent
The 2022 FIFA World Cup was contested between Argentina and France, with Argentina winning on penalties. France won the 2018 World Cup after defeating Argentina in the round of 16. Argentina has also won consecutive Copa America’s (2021/24). With both nations among the top 4 four favorites to win the 2026 World Cup, the talent pipeline is showing no evidence of drying out.
Monaco winger Lucas Michal scored a late penalty in extra time to send France past Japan in the round of 16, in the quarterfinals, 19 year old Saimon Bouabre, another former Monaco product, scored twice in the first half, to send France past Norway. Norway would manage a late goal but the final result was 2-1. Bouabre is now a prized talent of Saudi Pro League club Neom. A move he made for playing time, telling the media ““It was Christophe Galtier (Neom manager) who guaranteed me the most minutes. “
Argentina on Cruise Control
Argentina has cruised into the semis, they defeated Nigeria 4-0, three players were on the scoresheet as Valez Sarsfield’s Maher Carrizo (19) scored twice. Carrizo scored again in the quarterfinal against a talented Mexico team, unfortunately for him, yellow card accumulation sees him suspended for the semifinal. Mexico was simply outmatched and it was 2-0 in the final score as Inter Miami’s Mateo Silvetti scored the second goal. Bayer Leverkusen man Alejo Sarco is tied with Michal at 4 goals in the golden boot race, just behind Parma’s Benjamin Cremaschi, and the future Cruzeiro talent Neiser Villarreal, a 20 year old who plays for Millonarios in Colombia’s domestic league and has 5 goals this tournament.
No More “Gracias Guerreros” for Colombia
Colombia’s manager Cesar Torres told the media that he was tired of what has been a common refrain from Colombia’s football federation when one of the national team’s suffers a tournament defeat. After each heartbreaking loss, the federation has posted “Gracias Guerreros” (thank you warriors). Torres said (translated) “We are tired of the ‘Thank you Warriors’, we don’t want that anymore but a ‘Thank you guys for this title'” “so far we haven’t made any history, history is made by taking a World Cup,” This is a welcome attitude change he’s instilling in his young players.
Neiser Villarreal’s Hat Trick
Villarreal has been the great offensive threat in the knockout stages for Los Cafeteros, he’s still developing his game, but his talent shines at the youth level where defending isn’t as complex or structured. Colombia defeated South Africa 3-1 in the Round of 16, with Villarreal scoring the goal ahead goal in the 63rd minute, and sealing the result with a brace. The quarterfinal was an engaging one, Spain led 2-1 after quick fire second half goals, but Villarreal scored a hat-trick overall and the match winner in the dying minutes of the game to advance Colombia 3-2.
Suspensions Loom over Argentina vs Colombia U-20 World Cup Semifinal
The trouble is, Villarreal is suspended against Argentina due to yellow card accumulation. In better news, Atletico Nacional centerback Simon Garcia returns for the semis. As both Argentina and Colombia will be missing key scorers in their matchup. With Colombia having lost to Argentina in the final of the 2024 Copa America, the youth team has a chance to exact revenge, although Argentina remains favored to reach the final.
Morocco Showing Rapid Footballing Development
Morocco are nearing a top 10 FIFA World Ranking for the first time since 1998, the national team already secured a berth in the 2026 World Cup as they haven’t lost a game since January 2024. Having never previously reached a World Cup quarterfinal, in 2022 in Qatar, they finished fourth, topping their group before defeating Spain and Portugal. In the semis the men’s team faced France and fell in defeat. The youth team can now exact a measure of revenge. Back in the Youth World Cup for the first time since 2005, Morocco topped their group. A 2-1 win over South Korea (South Korea converted a late penalty) was the round of 16 result, in the quarterfinals they dominated the United States with a 3-1 win. The result was compiled by a largely European based squad, though left back Fouad Zahouani from Union Touarga in the Moroccan Botola Pro league did score the first goal.
An U-20 World Cup Expected Final or A Surprise?
With a team of largely European based players, they won’t fear France in the semifinals, despite the French side having a more famous pedigree. France were winners of this tournament in 203, Argentina has won it six times and expects to be here, while Colombia and Morocco are looking to spoil the party at this point and flip the script. Compelling semifinals await later this week.
Main Photo Credit: Imago Images
