Morocco’s Lion Cubs make history in Santiago and claim the world football crown
Morocco’s national U20 football team won the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile after defeating Argentina 2–0, thanks to a brilliant brace by Yasser Zabiri. Morocco thus became the first Arab country and the second African nation to win the prestigious title.
The final, held at the Julio Martínez Prádanos National Stadium in Santiago, saw Morocco triumph with authority. Zabiri opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a superb free-kick that found the top corner of Juan Bazzala’s net. Seventeen minutes later, he doubled the lead after a swift counterattack initiated by Othmane Maamma, finishing with a powerful left-footed shot from close range.
Despite their record six world titles, the Argentinians struggled to break through Morocco’s solid defensive block and the brilliance of goalkeeper Ibrahim Gomez, who produced a spectacular save in stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet.
With this victory, Morocco became the first Arab nation and only the second African one after Ghana (2009) to lift the U20 World Cup. They also became the ninth team to win the tournament in as many editions, reflecting the growing diversity of global football powers.
This triumph continues Morocco’s remarkable football journey following the senior team’s historic 2022 World Cup semifinal in Qatar and the bronze medal win at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Argentina entered the final as clear favorites after six consecutive wins, scoring 15 goals and conceding only twice. Morocco, playing its first-ever final, had advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout victory against France in the semifinals.
After the match, Morocco’s coach Hicham Dmii said: “The players have written history for their country. Discipline, collective spirit, and tactical courage were the keys to victory against a world-class opponent.” He emphasized that the win was “the result of years of structured development in Morocco’s training academies.”
Team captain Amine El Mouden expressed his pride: “We dreamed of this moment from day one. We believed we could compete with the best — and today, we proved that dreams can come true.”
Celebrations erupted across Morocco as fans flooded the streets, waving flags and wearing national colors. In Rabat, crowds gathered in Mohammed V Square, celebrating with chants, music, and national pride.
Observers noted that the victory cements Morocco’s position as an emerging football power, built on solid foundations of tactical intelligence, physical strength, and technical mastery.
Argentina’s coach Diego Romero graciously admitted: “Morocco deserved to win. They played with discipline and intelligence, making the most of every opportunity. We will come back stronger.”
International media praised the achievement. France’s L’Équipe described it as “a new football earthquake from Morocco,” while Spain’s Marca hailed “a golden generation following the path of the Atlas Lions.” The BBC highlighted Morocco’s “methodical investment in infrastructure and youth academies,” and The New York Times ran the headline “Morocco topples Argentina and announces itself as a new world football power.”
FIFA also congratulated Morocco, commending the team’s “fighting spirit and tactical discipline” and affirming that this victory “will inspire future generations across Africa and the Arab world.”
This triumph symbolizes the success of a long-term national strategy driven by investment in football development and youth training. The Mohammed VI Football Academy, cornerstone of Morocco’s football project, has already produced several key players for the senior team.
Experts believe the victory will boost Morocco’s image as a sporting destination, strengthening its readiness to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, while further promoting its growing reputation as a center of football excellence in Africa.
