Morocco Makes History Winning Their First FIFA U-20 World Cup Title
Morocco wins their first FIFA U-20 World Cup, defeating Argentina 2-0 in a landmark final in Santiago, Chile, to become the second African nation to claim the title.
- • Morocco beats Argentina 2-0 to win their first FIFA U-20 World Cup.
- • Yassir Zabiri scored both goals for Morocco in the first half of the final.
- • Morocco is the second African nation to win the U-20 World Cup after Ghana in 2009.
- • Argentina has not won the tournament since 2007 and failed to break Morocco's defense.
- • Brazil, South American champions, were eliminated in the group stage without any wins.
Key details
Morocco achieved a historic milestone by claiming their first FIFA U-20 World Cup title on October 19, 2025. In the final held at the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, Morocco defeated Argentina 2-0, becoming only the second African nation to win this tournament after Ghana in 2009.
Striker Yassir Zabiri was the hero of the match, scoring both goals in the first half. He opened the scoring with a well-placed free kick in the 12th minute and doubled Morocco's lead in the 29th minute by capitalizing on a swift counterattack. Othmane Maamma also played a vital role in Morocco's attacking strategy, helping the team impose themselves offensively throughout the match.
Despite Argentina's dominance in possession, they found it difficult to break down Morocco's disciplined and strong defense, registering very few meaningful attempts on goal. Argentina’s coach Diego Placente, a former U-20 World Cup winner as a player in 1997, was unable to secure the title in his coaching tenure. Argentina, historically the most successful team in the competition with six titles, had not won since 2007 and were seeking their seventh championship.
The victory was witnessed by approximately 43,000 passionate fans and highlights the rapid development of Moroccan football following their strong recent performances in global football events and near success in continental U-20 tournaments. Morocco’s tactical setup focused on solid defense and quick counters, which proved effective in maintaining their lead and ultimately securing the championship.
This landmark triumph not only signifies a major achievement for Moroccan football but also signals the emergence of promising new talents poised to impact the global stage in the coming years. Additionally, South American champions Brazil faced disappointment, being eliminated in the group stage without winning a match, leading to the dismissal of their coach, Ramón Menezes.
Morocco's historic victory in Santiago cements their place among the elite in youth football and marks a new chapter for African football on the world stage.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.