Morocco’s extraordinary football rise has reached another golden chapter after their Under-20 national team clinched the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Santiago, Chile. The young Atlas Lions produced a composed and disciplined performance to defeat Argentina 2–0 in the final last night, marking their first-ever title at this level and reinforcing the nation’s status as Africa’s new football benchmark.
The journey to glory was as thrilling as it was historic. In the semifinals, Morocco eliminated European powerhouse France after a tense 1–1 draw, triumphing 5–4 in the ensuing penalty shootout. That result set the stage for a gripping final against Argentina, a country steeped in youth football tradition. Yet, it was Morocco who showed the poise and tactical maturity of seasoned champions.
From the opening whistle, Morocco looked confident and organized. Their early intent paid off in the 12th minute when Yassir Zabiri curled in a sublime free-kick that flew past Argentine goalkeeper Santino Barbi, giving Morocco an early lead.
Sixteen minutes later, Othmane Maamma’s clever movement opened space inside the box, and his neat pass found Zabiri again, who doubled the advantage with a clinical close-range finish.
As the match wore on, Argentina threw everything forward in search of a comeback, but Morocco’s defensive line, led with authority and discipline, stood unshaken. Goalkeeper El Mehdi Boukamir and his backline absorbed wave after wave of Argentine pressure, preserving a clean sheet that crowned a near-perfect campaign.
The victory not only delivered Morocco its first world title at youth level but also made them only the second African nation to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup, following Ghana’s triumph in 2009. Along the way, Morocco showcased their growing pedigree by overcoming formidable opponents including Brazil, Spain, and France — teams long considered the standard-bearers of youth football.
This latest achievement is another proud moment in a year of unprecedented success for Moroccan football. Coming just months after their CHAN 2024 triumph in Kenya and steady progress across other levels of the game, the U-20 World Cup win stands as proof of a system built on vision, investment, and continuity.
From continental dominance to global success, Morocco’s football renaissance is no longer a story in progress , it is a reality unfolding before our eyes.
