Morocco’s under-20 footballers made history in Santiago, Chile, on Sunday, defeating Argentina 2-0 to claim their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup title.
The victory crowns a remarkable rise for the North African side, which only months earlier finished runners-up at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Yassir Zabiri fired Morocco ahead in the 12th minute with a perfectly-placed free kick, before adding a second from close range just 17 minutes later to seal a famous win. Argentina, six-time champions and heavy favourites, were denied a seventh title — their first loss in a U-20 final since 1983.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi praised his players’ resilience and credited King Mohammed VI for his investment in developing Moroccan football. “Without him, we would not have achieved what we have today,” Ouahbi said after the match. The King later congratulated the squad, praising their unity, professionalism, and “spirit of harmony,” calling the win a moment of pride for Morocco and all of Africa.
Midfielder Othmane Maamma was named Player of the Tournament, earning the Golden Ball, while two-goal hero Zabiri received the Silver Ball. Morocco, who beat France on penalties in the semi-final, join Ghana as only the second African nation ever to lift the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The #U20WC Final: Argentina 🆚 Morocco pic.twitter.com/W052yo7god
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 20, 2025
