Morocco booked their place in the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup after edging France 6–5 on penalties following a tense 1–1 draw that lasted 120 minutes at the Elías Figueroa Brande Stadium in Valparaíso.

The North Africans took the lead in the 32nd minute when a penalty by Yassir Zabiri deflected off French defender Lisandru Olmeta for an own goal. France equalised through Lucas Michal’s strike in the 59th minute, and both sides missed late chances to win in regulation time.

Morocco suffered a setback when first-choice goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch was forced off with an injury, replaced by Ibrahim Gomis early in the second half. France’s Rabby Nzingoula was later sent off during the first period of extra time after receiving a second yellow card, giving Morocco a numerical advantage that still couldn’t produce a winner in open play.

In the penalty shootout, Morocco held their nerve to convert six spot-kicks through Younes El Bahraoui, Ilias Boumassaoudi, Yassir Zabiri, Mohamed Hamony, Saad El Haddad, and Byar.

The result sparked wild celebrations among Moroccan supporters, who filled much of the stadium as the Atlas Cubs sealed a historic spot in the tournament’s final.

France will now contest the third-place play-off, while Morocco await the winner of Thursday’s other semi-final between Colombia and Argentina.