Morocco won the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time, defeating Argentina 2-0 in the final at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile.
Yassir Zabiri opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a free-kick that beat Argentine goalkeeper Santino Barbi. Morocco doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Othmane Maamma set up Zabiri for a close-range finish.
Argentina dominated possession, holding 71% of the ball, but struggled to create clear chances. Moroccan defenders stayed organised and blocked key attempts, while the goalkeeper kept the scoreline intact. Several VAR reviews and free-kick opportunities for Argentina were wasted.
In the second half, Morocco focused on defending their lead. Tactical substitutions reinforced the defence and midfield, stopping Argentina from finding a way through. The South Americans missed several chances and grew increasingly frustrated.
Zabiri was named man of the match for his two goals and he also won the Silver Ball Award for his mesmerizing performance during the competition.
Othmane Maama, won the Golden Ball award, recognizing his stellar and outstanding performances throughout the competition.
Ghana are the first African country to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2009 in Egypt in a tense penalty shoot against Brazil.
Meanwhile, car horns, chants, and waving flags filled the streets across Morocco as the U-20 national team triumphed in the World Cup final with a stunning 2–0 victory over Argentina. The celebrations echoed from every neighborhood as Moroccans rejoiced in this historic win.
Moroccan player Yassir Zabiri expressed his joy and gratitude after the match, saying: “First of all, we thank God for this achievement and for winning this title. We would also like to thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the President of the FRMF for their presence and support — it meant a lot to us during this final.”
The young stars delivered a composed and mature performance, outplaying a fast and technical Argentine side.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi described the victory as a reflection of Morocco’s steady football progress under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
Ouahbi said “We feel immense happiness. We remember all the challenges we went through to reach this stage and break barriers. We thank His Majesty the King for allowing us to live this moment and for his continuous encouragement of football development,” .
He said: “I thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI for allowing us to live this dream.“This is an enormous joy… For years, we have been waiting to break this glass ceiling,” .
The coach also extended his appreciation to Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), for his constant support and contribution to the growth of Moroccan football.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Caf President Dr Patrick Motsepe attended the final game along with Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita.
Following their victory, King Mohammed VI sent a heartfelt message to the national football team.
King Mohammed VI said “Just as you delighted and brought joy to passionate football fans, you have also filled us with happiness, along with the entire Moroccan people,” .
The monarch added that he followed the national team’s journey throughout the competition with profound pride, offering his warm congratulations on this historic achievement.
Emphasizing that this achievement is the first of its kind in the history of Moroccan football, the monarch saluted the Atlas Cubs’ self-confidence, harmony, and spirit of cohesion.
King Mohammed VI commended the team’s outstanding professional performance, celebrating all components of the champion lion cubs, including coaches, players, and technical and administrative staff.
He also commended the efforts of officials at the Royal Moroccan Football Federation for their efforts and commitment to advancing Moroccan football.
King Mohammed VI called on the team members to maintain their dedication with the same seriousness, wishing the Atlas Cubs full success in their promising sports careers.
