Morocco have written a golden chapter in football history after securing a sensational 2–0 victory over powerhouse Argentina to win the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Santiago, Chile. This victory makes them the first-ever North African nation to lift the prestigious trophy and the second African country overall to achieve this milestone.
The Atlas Lions delivered a masterclass in teamwork, discipline, and technical brilliance as teenage prodigy Yassir Zabiri stole the spotlight with two clinical first-half goals that sealed Morocco’s triumph on the world stage.
Zabiri opened the scoring in the 12th minute after capitalizing on a defensive slip, slotting the ball past the Argentine goalkeeper with composure beyond his years. He doubled the lead in the 29th minute with a stunning long-range strike that left the crowd in awe and Argentina in disarray.
As the match progressed, Argentina mounted waves of attacks in search of a comeback, but Morocco’s defence stood impenetrable. Skipper Rayan El-Mourabet marshalled the backline with remarkable composure, while goalkeeper Youssef Bakkali made several breathtaking saves to preserve a clean sheet and ensure Morocco’s name was engraved on the trophy.
Morocco’s journey to glory
Morocco’s road to the title was a true testament to resilience and unity. Drawn in a challenging group alongside football heavyweights Brazil, Spain, and Mexico, the young Atlas Lions defied the odds by finishing top of the group after recovering from an early defeat to Brazil with back-to-back wins.
In the knockout rounds, Morocco’s confidence grew stronger. They overcame South Korea in a tense round of 16 battle, outclassed the United States with a dominant display in the quarter-finals, and survived a nail-biting penalty shootout against France in the semi-final to book their spot in the historic final against Argentina.
Their performances throughout the tournament earned widespread praise from football fans, analysts, and former players, who hailed their campaign as “one of the most tactically brilliant and emotionally charged runs in modern youth football.”
A monumental win for Africa
With this unforgettable victory, Morocco now joins Ghana — winners in 2009 — as the only African nations to have won the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The triumph is being hailed as a defining moment for African football, reaffirming the continent’s growing reputation on the global stage.
Football federations and fans across Africa have celebrated Morocco’s success as a beacon of hope and proof that African teams can dominate not just with flair, but also with structure, confidence, and intelligence.
The Atlas Lions’ victory also reflects the success of Morocco’s long-term investment in youth development and football infrastructure — a journey that began years ago and continues to pay off at all levels, from the senior men’s World Cup semifinal run in Qatar 2022 to continental youth tournaments.
As Morocco’s young stars lifted the trophy amid cheers, flags, and fireworks, they not only brought joy to millions but also inspired the next generation of African footballers to dream big and believe that with hard work and unity, greatness is achievable.
This win is more than a trophy; it’s a powerful symbol of Africa’s rise in world football — and Morocco now stands proudly at the forefront of that revolution.