In a historic moment for African football, Morocco claimed its first-ever FIFA U20 World Cup title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Argentina in the final at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile, in the early hours of Monday, October 20, 2025. The victory marked a significant milestone for Moroccan football and saw the Atlas Lions become the first African nation to win the prestigious youth tournament since Ghana’s triumph in 2009. Striker Yassir Zabiri emerged as the hero of the night, scoring both goals in a performance that showcased Morocco’s attacking prowess and defensive resilience.
The final, played before a passionate crowd in Santiago, saw Morocco take control early. Zabiri opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a clinical finish, capitalizing on a well-orchestrated move that exposed Argentina’s defensive vulnerabilities. His second goal, in the 29th minute, was a testament to his composure under pressure, as he latched onto a precise through ball and slotted it past the Argentine goalkeeper. The two-goal cushion gave Morocco confidence, and their disciplined backline ensured Argentina could not find a way back into the match. Despite Argentina’s reputation as a powerhouse in youth football, with six previous U20 World Cup titles, they were unable to overcome Morocco’s tactical discipline and energy.
Morocco’s journey to the title was nothing short of remarkable. Drawn into a challenging group alongside heavyweights Spain, Brazil, and Mexico, the Atlas Lions topped their group with a blend of flair and tenacity. Their knockout stage campaign was equally impressive, as they dispatched South Korea in the round of 16, the United States in the quarterfinals, and France in the semifinals. Each match showcased Morocco’s growing confidence and ability to compete against some of the world’s best youth teams. The team’s success was built on a foundation of cohesive teamwork, with Zabiri’s goal-scoring prowess complemented by a solid defensive unit and dynamic midfield play.
For Argentina, the defeat marked their first loss of the tournament and ended their hopes of securing a record seventh U20 World Cup title. The Albiceleste had been a dominant force throughout the competition, but their campaign was hampered by the absence of two key players: Bayer Leverkusen’s Claudio Echeverri and Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono. Both players, considered among the brightest talents in their age group, were unavailable for the final, leaving Argentina reliant on their squad depth. Despite valiant efforts from the likes of captain Juan Giménez and forward Mateo Fernández, Argentina struggled to break down Morocco’s organized defense and failed to convert their limited chances.
The tournament also saw disappointment for reigning champions Uruguay, who failed to qualify for the 2025 edition after finishing fifth in the South American U-20 Championship earlier in the year. Their absence opened the door for other South American teams, with Argentina and Colombia stepping up. Colombia secured third place in the tournament, defeating France 1-0 in the third-place playoff earlier on Sunday. The victory highlighted the strength of South American youth football, even as Morocco stole the spotlight with their historic win.
Morocco’s triumph is a landmark achievement for African football, which has often struggled to translate its youth potential into global success. Ghana’s 2009 victory, where they defeated Brazil in a penalty shootout, had been the continent’s only U20 World Cup title until now. Morocco’s win is expected to inspire a new generation of players across Africa and further elevate the country’s growing reputation in international football. The senior Moroccan team has already made waves in recent years, reaching the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and this U20 success suggests a bright future for the nation’s footballing talent.
The victory was celebrated widely in Morocco, with fans taking to the streets of Rabat, Casablanca, and other cities to honor their young heroes. Social media platforms, including X, were abuzz with messages of pride and congratulations, with many users hailing Zabiri as a future star. Moroccan coach Said Chiba dedicated the win to the nation, stating, “This is for every young Moroccan dreaming of greatness. Our boys showed the world what we’re capable of.” The team’s success is likely to boost investment in youth development programs in Morocco, as the country looks to build on this historic achievement.
On the global stage, Morocco’s win underscores the increasing competitiveness of African teams in youth tournaments. The continent’s representatives have consistently shown they can challenge traditional powerhouses, and Morocco’s disciplined and attacking style of play in Chile set a new benchmark. For Argentina, the loss was a bitter pill, but their run to the final demonstrated the depth of talent in their youth system, even without their star players.
As the confetti fell in Santiago, Morocco’s U20 team stood tall, their victory a testament to hard work, belief, and the growing influence of African football. With Zabiri’s brace etching his name into Moroccan football history, the Atlas Lions have given their nation a moment to cherish and a platform to dream even bigger.
