Morocco secured their maiden FIFA U-20 World Cup triumph with a 2-0 victory over six-time champions Argentina in the final on October 19, 2025, at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile. Yassir Zabiri scored both goals in a commanding first-half performance, earning man-of-the-match honors. The win marks the second African nation to lift the trophy since Ghana in 2009.
Match Overview
Morocco's Atlas Lion Cubs stunned Argentina in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup final, delivering a disciplined defensive display while capitalizing on set pieces and counters. Under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the North Africans topped a challenging group featuring Spain, Brazil, and a 1-0 loss to Mexico, before advancing past South Korea (2-1), the United States (3-1), and France (1-1, 5-4 on penalties) in the knockouts.
Argentina, coached by Diego Placente, entered unbeaten with six wins, including victories over Cuba (3-1), Australia (4-1), Italy (1-0), Nigeria (4-0), Mexico (2-0), and Colombia (1-0). Despite dominating possession at around 70-75% and registering 17 shots, they managed only three on target, marking their first tournament loss.
Key Moments
The game kicked off at 7 p.m. ET, refereed by Maurizio Mariani of Italy. Early drama saw a VAR review in the 7th minute for a potential penalty on Zabiri after a challenge by goalkeeper Santino Barbi, who received a yellow card; no spot kick was awarded, but Morocco earned a free kick. Zabiri curled it into the top corner in the 12th minute for 1-0.
In the 28th minute, Othmane Maamma assisted Zabiri's volley from a cross, doubling the lead to 2-0 before halftime. Argentina pressed in the second half, hitting the post multiple times via Gianluca Prestianni and Cody Gakpo-like efforts, but Morocco's defense, led by goalkeeper Ibrahim Gomis, held firm. Two VAR checks for penalties on Argentina in the 58th and 86th minutes were dismissed.
Substitutions included Argentina's Ian Subiabre for Alejo Sarco (62') and Morocco's Saad El Haddad for Yassine Khalifi (62'). Disciplinary issues mounted for Argentina with yellows to Maher Carrizo, Ian Subiabre, and Milton Delgado.
Accolades and Reactions
Zabiri finished with five goals, securing the Golden Boot and Silver Ball as second-best player. Othmane Maamma earned the Golden Ball as Player of the Tournament. Lionel Messi posted on Instagram: "Heads up, guys. You had an incredible tournament... we’re left with the joy of everything you gave us and the pride of watching you defend the sky blue and white with all your heart."
Morocco's victory highlights their youth program's growth, following runners-up at the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and the senior team's 2022 World Cup semifinal run.
