Morocco made history on Sunday night by defeating six-time champions Argentina 2-0 to win the FIFA Under-20 World Cup at the Julio Martínez Prádanos Stadium in Santiago, Chile.
The Atlas Lion Cubs became the first African side to lift the title since Ghana’s victory in 2009 and the first Moroccan team to win a World Cup trophy at any level.
Yassir Zabiri, who plays for FC Famalicão in Portugal, scored both goals in the first half, sealing a memorable victory for coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s side. Zabiri’s sharp finishing and composure in front of goal earned him the Golden Boot award after finishing the tournament with five goals.
Morocco’s journey to the final was remarkable. The team overcame South Korea, the United States, and France in the knockout stages before pulling off a stunning win over Argentina, who had been unbeaten throughout the competition.
Argentina went into the final without key players Claudio Echeverri of Bayer Leverkusen and Franco Mastantuono of Real Madrid, but still struggled to cope with Morocco’s pace and discipline.
Coach Ouahbi praised his players for their focus and determination throughout the tournament. “This victory is not just for Morocco but for all of Africa. These young men have shown what belief and teamwork can achieve,” he said.
Morocco’s triumph capped off what has been an impressive year for the country’s football development program. Just months ago, the team finished as runners-up at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The awards reflected Morocco’s dominance at the tournament, with Othmane Maamane named Player of the Tournament, taking home the Golden Ball, while Zabiri earned the Silver Ball as the second-best player.
