France U20 Team Knocked Out of World Cup by Morocco; Zidane Signals Coaching Ambitions
France U20 exited the 2025 World Cup after a penalty loss to Morocco; Zidane reveals aspirations to coach the French national team.
- • France U20 eliminated in 2025 World Cup semifinals by Morocco via penalty shootout (5-4) after 1-1 draw.
- • Morocco utilized a novel tactic, rotating their three goalkeepers, sparking interest in African football strategies.
- • Monaco's coach Hütter replaced by Pocognoli; Paul Pogba delays his return to the field.
- • Zinédine Zidane expressed his desire to coach the French national team in the near future.
Key details
The France U20 football team was eliminated in the semifinals of the 2025 U20 World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Morocco. The match ended 1-1 in regular time, with Morocco prevailing 5-4 on penalties, showcasing innovative tactics by deploying all three of their goalkeepers during the tournament. This strategy has sparked discussions about Morocco's potential as a new African football model.
In other French football news, Monaco announced a coaching change with Hütter replaced by Pocognoli from Union St Gilles. Additionally, Paul Pogba remains hesitant to return to football, leaving uncertainty around the team's future. PSG is preparing for a critical domestic match against Strasbourg, their final test before an important Champions League clash against Leverkusen; coach Luis Enrique faces the challenge of managing player fitness and injury returns.
Highlighting the sport’s broader coaching landscape, French football legend Zinédine Zidane expressed at Trento, Italy, his intent to resume coaching and a strong ambition to lead the French national team in the future, suggesting possible forthcoming changes in the national team's management.
This elimination brings an end to France U20’s 2025 World Cup journey, but developments in coaching and club engagements hint at dynamic shifts in French football ahead.