Rising Soccer Powers Clash: USA and Morocco Face Off in U20 World Cup Showdown

"We know where Morocco is today as a country (and in its) development. We saw a lot during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (where Morocco finished fourth), but also, we faced them at the Olympics, and for me, they were the best of the Games, even though they finished third," comments US coach Marko Mitrović, in a telephone interview on Friday afternoon from Chile, with The Athletic. His protégés will face Morocco in the quarter-finals of the U20 World Cup this Sunday.

The Atlas Lions have dominated Spain (2-0), then Brazil (2-1), before losing in a meaningless match against Mexico (0-1). Last Thursday, they defeated South Korea (2-1) at the El Teniente stadium in Rancagua, Chile. For the US coach, "the amount of talent they have - and this group has so many talented players - beating Brazil and Spain in the group stage says a lot. But when you reach the quarter-finals, no matter who your opponent is, you are very aware that all the teams are elite. There are no easy opponents anymore. We are well aware of this and we know that we are ready."

On their side, the United States are on a flawless run. They have comfortably beaten New Caledonia (9-1). They then defeated France (3-0), before dominating Italy (3-0) in the round of 16. This American selection also has several players playing in the best European and North American championships. They have reached the quarter-finals in four of the last five U20 World Cup editions.

Morocco and the United States have already faced each other in September. Mitrović’s men won the first match 4-1. They drew 0-0 three days later. The matches were "completely different, as if we were watching different teams during the same match," Mitrović said. Who will win the match this Sunday? Tune in tonight at 9pm at the El Teniente stadium in Ranqagua. This match can be followed on beIN Sports, Arryadia TNT, L’équipe Live Foot and Fifa+.