The USMNT U-20s delivered the answer many had been waiting for. After a 3-0 loss to France at the Paris Olympics, also under coach Marko Mitrović, the Americans flipped the script with the same scoreline at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The win, secured late with goals from Zavier Gozo, Brooklyn Raines, and Marcos Zambrano, not only booked their place in the round of 16 but also highlighted the depth of a squad able to change a game with fresh legs off the bench.
A tight battle until the final stretch
The opening half was cagey, with both teams trading spells of possession and offering little space. The U.S. created the clearest looks: Nolan Norris forced Olmeta into a strong save in the 18th minute, and Frankie Westfield tested from distance.
France answered through Benama, but his shot lacked power and was easily gathered by Beaudry. That balance carried into the second half, when the Americans turned up the pressure. Habroune troubled down the left, Cremaschi went close, and Olmeta stood firm. At the other end, Michal and Mmadi threatened on the counter, drawing sharp stops from the U.S. keeper.
Super subs flip the script
The breakthrough came off the bench. In the 85th minute, Brennan swung in a cross from the right and Gozo, on the field only moments, rose to head in the opener. Three minutes later, Gozo sparked another move and found Raines, who slotted home for 2-0.
Deep into stoppage time, Miller’s cross rattled the bar after another Gozo effort, and Zambrano pounced on the rebound to add a third. In the space of seven minutes, three substitutes had turned a scoreless draw into a statement win.
A victory with extra meaning
The result carried context. France had beaten the U.S. 3-0 at the 2024 Olympics with Mitrović also on the bench. This time, his substitutions made the difference as his team returned the favor on an even bigger stage, the U-20 World Cup.
With six points from two matches, the Americans now top Group E and need only a draw against South Africa on Sunday to clinch first place.