Morocco made history on Sunday, October 19, 2025, by clinching the U-20 World Cup in Chile, defeating powerhouse Argentina 2-0 in the final.
This triumph marks the Kingdom’s first-ever world title in any football category. The Moroccan U-20 national team, known as the Atlas Lions, delivered a clinical performance, largely dictated by the brilliance of Yassir Zabiri. He opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a masterful free kick. Zabiri doubled the lead in the 29th minute after receiving a brilliant pass from Othmane Maamma, allowing Morocco to extend their lead and control the rest of the match.
Despite Argentina’s renowned attacking power and dominant possession (71%), the Moroccans proved solid defensively and highly effective on the counter, managing the final calmly to secure the victory.
This global title confirms the strategic rise of Moroccan youth football on the international stage. The success is viewed as a direct result of the strategic vision championed by King Mohammed VI, who has made sport a key lever for the Kingdom’s development and global influence. This policy has led to significant investments in modern infrastructure, including the Mohammed VI Football Academy, which serves as a vital breeding ground for national talent.
Following the victory, King Mohammed VI addressed a message to the national team, expressing his “great joy and pride” at this “heroic” and “deserved and historic victory.” The Sovereign hailed the young players’ “self-confidence, cohesion, and professional excellence,” noting they “brought honor to Morocco and worthily represented Africa.” He congratulated all staff members and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), encouraging them to “continue on this path of excellence.”
Immediately following the final whistle, spontaneous scenes of popular joy and jubilation erupted across Moroccan cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech, Laayoune, and Tangier. Despite the late hour, thousands of supporters flooded the streets, waving flags, honking horns, and singing patriotic songs in a massive display of national pride.
With this victory, Morocco joins Ghana (2009 champions) as only the second African nation to win the U-20 World Cup, confirming the maturity and dynamism of continental football. Colombia finished the 2025 edition in third place.
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