Upon the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presided, on Wednesday at the Royal Palace in Rabat, over a ceremony offered by the Sovereign in honor of the members of the national under-20 football team, following their triumph at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Chile.

On this occasion, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was greeted by the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa, the national team coach, Mr. Mohamed Ouahbi, and the members of the national team, before posing for a commemorative photo.

A tea ceremony was then held in honor of the members of the U-20 national team.

This reception illustrates the High Solicitude with which His Majesty the King, may God assist Him, continues to surround Moroccan youth, supporting their development through sports, and reflects the special interest that the Sovereign devotes to this sector in general and to football in particular.

It follows the historic achievement of the national under-20 team, which won this world title — the first of its kind in the history of Moroccan and Arab football.

This triumph is fully in line with the enlightened and forward-looking vision of His Majesty the King, may God assist Him, who has elevated national sports training to the highest international standards, notably through the Mohammed VI Football Academy — a true cradle of young Moroccan talent. It also represents a deep source of pride for the entire Nation and highlights, with brilliance, the values of effort, perseverance, and hard work that pave the way to success and excellence.

Following the victory of the Atlas Cubs against the Argentine team in the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, His Majesty the King, may God assist Him, sent a message of congratulations to the members of the national team, in which the Sovereign emphasized that the Moroccan team had honorably represented its country and its youth, as well as the African continent, with dignity and pride.

-MAP

By Kunle Solaja.

In a night painted red and green under the dazzling Santiago lights, Morocco carved their name into football’s golden history books, stunning six-time champions Argentina 2–0 to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025. It was not just a victory — it was poetry, passion, and pride, beautifully woven into ninety unforgettable minutes at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos.

For Mohamed Ouahbi and his fearless Atlas Cubs, this was destiny fulfilled. Forty-eight years after Morocco first graced the inaugural U-20 World Cup, the North Africans have finally ascended football’s youth summit, becoming only the second African nation — after Ghana’s golden generation in 2009 — to conquer the world at this level.

The Night Zabiri Shone Brightest

If Morocco’s triumph had a heartbeat, it pulsed in the boots of Yassir Zabiri. The elegant forward, all composure and creativity, turned the final into a personal stage. His genius lit up Santiago from the 13th minute when, after being clattered by Argentine goalkeeper Santino Barbi on a breakaway, he rose to curl the ensuing free-kick into the top corner — a goal of artistry and audacity that will be replayed for years in Moroccan football folklore.

That was just the overture. Argentina, the tournament’s darlings and serial winners, pushed forward with their trademark intensity, but Morocco’s counterattack carried a lethal rhythm. Ismael Baouf, imperious in midfield, intercepted a pass and released Othmane Maamma down the flank. His whipped cross found Zabiri, who volleyed home with thunderous precision.

Two goals up. One continent roaring.

A Final of Grit and Glory

From there, the Atlas Cubs defended like lions. Baouf marshalled the midfield, while Fouad Zahouani and captain Oussama Co turned every Argentine advance into frustration. Goalkeeper Ibrahim Gomis, calm and commanding, barely broke a sweat as Argentina’s famed forwards were reduced to long-range hopefuls.

On the stroke of halftime, Argentina’s Mateo Silvetti nearly pulled one back, his shot skimming past the post, but Morocco immediately responded — Maamma cutting inside and firing goalward, only for Juan Villalba’s desperate clearance to deny a third.

The second half brought wave after wave of Argentine possession, but it was Morocco’s discipline, not desperation, that defined the contest. Zabiri’s artistry continued to trouble the South Americans, his curling effort from outside the box narrowly missing. Substitute Ian Subiabre’s late miss summed up Argentina’s evening — plenty of promise, no precision.

When the final whistle sounded, Morocco’s bench erupted in tears and triumph. The players danced, draped in flags, as Ouahbi embraced his staff. From Rabat to Casablanca, from Fez to Marrakesh, the celebrations had already begun.

A New Dawn for African Football

Morocco’s triumph carried echoes of Ghana’s 2009 success — another African nation that defied the odds and the hierarchy of football. But this victory felt uniquely Moroccan: disciplined, artistic, and deeply symbolic.

It also shattered a long-standing record. No team had beaten Argentina in a FIFA U-20 World Cup final for 42 years — not since Brazil’s Dunga and Bebeto-led side triumphed in 1983. Since then, Argentina had bested Brazil, Uruguay, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Czech Republic to lift six titles. Until now.

Legacy of a Golden Generation

For Yassir Zabiri, whose two goals will live forever in Moroccan hearts, the night crowned him the face of a new generation. For coach Mohamed Ouahbi, it was vindication — proof that Moroccan youth football, long respected across Africa, can now rule the world.

“This victory belongs to every Moroccan child who dreams with a football at his feet,” Ouahbi declared, his voice trembling amid the confetti storm. “We came here as students. We leave as champions.”

And so, on a cool Chilean night, Morocco’s Atlas Cubs roared the loudest. From the sands of the Sahara to the shores of the Atlantic, a new story of African brilliance has been written — and it begins, gloriously, in Santiago.

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By Kunle Solaja.

Morocco’s triumphant run to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 title was nothing short of cinematic — a story woven from adversity, resilience, and a fierce belief in destiny.

From a Group Stage defeat to an unforgettable victory over Argentina, the Atlas Cubs’ journey captured the imagination of an entire continent and announced the dawn of a new era for African football.

Group Stage: Rocky Beginnings, Glimpses of Promise

The campaign began inauspiciously with a 1–2 defeat to Mexico. For coach Mohamed Ouahbi, it was a wake-up call — a reminder that the road to glory would be paved with lessons, not laurels. In their second game, a tense 1–1 draw with Japan restored some composure, as the young Moroccans found their rhythm but still struggled for finishing touch.

It was in their final group game against Ecuador that the Atlas Cubs roared to life. A commanding 2–0 win — featuring flowing passes, fearless pressing, and tactical discipline — saw them leap into the knockout stages. It was clear then that Morocco had shaken off their early nerves and were beginning to play with the confidence befitting continental champions.

Round of 16: The West African Wall

In the Round of 16, Morocco faced Korea and won 2-1. A single goal was enough to separate the two sides. The victory wasn’t just about survival; it was the moment the team truly believed they could go all the way.

Quarter-final: French Flair Meets North African Fire

The quarter-final clash with France tested Morocco’s mettle in every sense. After a 1–1 draw in regulation time, the game went to penalties — the ultimate test of nerve. With hearts pounding, the Atlas Cubs held firm, converting all five spot-kicks to triumph 5–4. Their celebrations were emotional, a reflection of years of youth development paying off on the grandest stage.

Semi-final: Slaying the Samba

If there was any lingering doubt about Morocco’s legitimacy as title contenders, their semi-final victory over Brazil erased it. Against the five-time world champions, Morocco played fearlessly. They combined compact defending with electrifying counter-attacks, edging the South Americans 2–1.
Yassir Zabiri announced himself as the tournament’s breakout star, while Oussama Co led by example — calm, commanding, and unbreakable.

Final: Conquering the Giants

Then came the biggest test — Argentina, six-time champions and pre-tournament favourites. In a masterclass of tactical intelligence and composure, Morocco stunned the football world. Zabiri’s two goals sealed a 2–0 victory, and with it, a historic title — Africa’s first since Ghana’s triumph in 2009.

When the final whistle blew at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, tears flowed freely. From the King Mohammed VI Football Academy to Casablanca’s cafés, a nation erupted in joy. The Atlas Cubs had not just won a trophy — they had rewritten African football history.

Historical African Winners

Year	Country	Venue	Captain
2009	Ghana	Egypt	André Ayew
2025	Morocco	Chile	Oussama Co

Sixteen years apart, Africa once again stands tall at the summit of youth football. From André Ayew’s Ghanaian heroes in Cairo to Oussama Co’s Moroccan marvels in Santiago, the dream of African excellence burns brighter than ever.

Morocco’s Road to the Final

Stage	Opponent	Result
Group Stage	Mexico	Lost 1–2
Group Stage	Japan	Drew 1–1
Group Stage	Ecuador	Won 2–0
Round of 16	Senegal	Won 1–0
Quarter-final	France	Drew 1–1 (Won 5–4 on pens)
Semi-final	Brazil	Won 2–1
Final	Argentina	Won 2–0

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