Morocco made history by winning their first-ever U20 FIFA World Cup title with a 2-0 victory over six-time champions Argentina in the final. A brace from Yassir Zabiri secured the win, taking his tournament tally to five goals and sealing Morocco’s place among football’s elite. With this triumph, Morocco becomes only the second African nation to lift the prestigious youth trophy, following in the footsteps of Ghana.
The North African side had an impressive journey to the title, showcasing consistency and resilience throughout the tournament. Their path to glory included a 2-0 win over Spain, a 2-1 victory against Brazil, a narrow 1-0 loss to Mexico, and a 2-1 win over South Korea. They went on to defeat the United States 3-1 in the quarterfinals, held France to a 1-1 draw before winning 5-4 on penalties in the semifinals, and then capped it off with a commanding performance against Argentina in the final.
The individual brilliance of Moroccan players also stood out. Othmane Maamma was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, having contributed four assists and one goal. Zabiri earned the Silver Ball for his consistent goal-scoring performances, including the decisive double in the final.
Morocco’s success is a reflection of years of structured investment in football development by the Moroccan Football Federation, supported by government backing. From grassroots programs to infrastructure and talent nurturing, the country’s efforts have begun to yield tangible results on the global stage.