Santiago, Chile — October 20, 2025 — Morocco’s U-20 national football team has made history by winning the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, defeating six-time champions Argentina 2–0 in a dazzling final at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago.
The victory marks a continental milestone: Morocco becomes the second African nation ever to lift the U-20 World Cup trophy — the first being Ghana in 2009.
Zabiri and Maama Seal the Moment
Morocco’s Yassir Zabiri opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a sublime free kick that left Argentina’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot. Just 17 minutes later, Othman Maama delivered a precise through ball that Zabiri slotted in for his second of the night, sealing Morocco’s dominance before halftime.
(Reuters)
“This is a victory for Morocco, for Africa, and for the youth of our continent,” said coach Hicham Aboushoufa, who has guided the team since 2023. “Our players have shown that discipline, unity, and preparation can take African football anywhere.”
Argentina, chasing a record-extending seventh title, struggled to break through Morocco’s disciplined defense led by captain Adil Benmoussa, who was later named Player of the Tournament by FIFA.
A Golden Campaign for the Atlas Cubs
The “Atlas Cubs,” as they are affectionately known, produced one of the tournament’s most remarkable runs. Morocco topped a difficult group featuring Spain, Brazil, and Uzbekistan, then went on to defeat the United States 3–1 in the quarter-finals and France on penalties in the semis after a dramatic 1–1 draw.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised the Moroccan side, calling the win “a testament to Africa’s growing influence in world football and the strength of Morocco’s investment in youth development.”
How Morocco Built Its Youth Success
Morocco’s football renaissance is not accidental. The Mohammed VI Football Academy, founded in 2009 near Rabat, has become one of Africa’s most advanced youth facilities. It combines elite coaching, modern analytics, and educational training — producing stars who now feed directly into national squads.
Players such as Bilal El Khannouss and Abde Ezzalzouli, who rose through the same system, have already made their mark at senior level — underscoring the academy’s impact on long-term player development.
“We invest in football because it is part of our identity,” said Faouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. “From grassroots to global stages, Morocco is showing that African excellence can shape the future of the game.”
A New Chapter for African Football
The win has sparked celebrations across the continent and rekindled hopes that African teams are edging closer to global parity.
For Morocco, which already made history by reaching the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, this youth triumph signals continuity and depth.
Analysts believe the U-20 win will accelerate Morocco’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the nation’s senior side has already qualified alongside Ghana, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria.
Sources
Reuters: Morocco Win U-20 World Cup Al Jazeera: Morocco’s Historic Win BBC Sport Africa: Inside Morocco’s Youth Football Success CAF Statement on Morocco’s Qualification
