In a stunning display of skill and determination, Morocco's Under-20 national team etched their names in football history by defeating Argentina 2-0 to win their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup. The final match, held on October 19, 2025, at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile, saw the Atlas Cubs deliver a commanding performance against a formidable Argentinian side.
The hero of the night was undoubtedly Yassir Zabiri, the talented forward who plays for Primeira Liga club Famalicão, scoring both goals to secure the historic victory for Morocco. Zabiri opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a sublime free-kick, a curling shot that left the Argentine goalkeeper motionless. He then doubled Morocco's lead in the 29th minute with a spectacular volley, further deepening Argentina's frustration.
Argentina, the record holders with six U-20 World Cup titles, struggled to break down Morocco's disciplined defense. Despite controlling possession for much of the match, the South Americans were unable to find a way past the organized Moroccan defense. Goalkeeper Gomis sealed his side's dominance with a crucial save in the 83rd minute, denying Silvetti and preserving Morocco's two-goal advantage.
The Atlas Cubs, coached by Mohamed Ouahbi, displayed tactical discipline and maintained compact defensive lines throughout the match, effectively frustrating Argentina's attacks. This victory marks a significant milestone for Moroccan football and a testament to the country's growing presence in international competitions. Morocco's journey to the final saw them overcome strong opposition, including victories over Spain, Brazil, South Korea, the United States, and France. Their only loss in the tournament was a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mexico in the group stage.
The final was witnessed by a passionate crowd, with Moroccan supporters flocking to Santiago from around the globe. This historic win makes Morocco only the second African nation to lift the U-20 World Cup trophy, after Ghana's success in 2009. The victory is particularly sweet for Morocco, as their previous best finish in the tournament was fourth place in 2005. For Argentina, this is the second time they have lost in the final, the first being against Brazil in 1983.
The confirmed lineups for the final saw Santino Barbi in goal for Argentina, with a defense of Dylan Gorosito, Tobías Ramírez, Tomas Perez, Juan Manuel Villalba, and Julio Soler. Their midfield consisted of Maher Carrizo, Valentino Acuña, Milton Delgado, and Gianluca Prestianni, with Alejo Sarco leading the line. Morocco's lineup featured Ibrahim Gomis in goal, with a defense of Taha Majni, Ismael Baouf, Smail Bakhty, and Fouad Zahouani. The midfield comprised Naim Byar and Yassine Khalifi, with Houssam Essadak, Othmane Maamma, and Gessime Yassine supporting Yassir Zabiri in attack.
