Morocco made history by winning the FIFA Under-20 World Cup for the first time. They beat Argentina 2-0 in the final in Santiago, Chile, on October 19, 2025.
Yassir Zabiri was the hero for Morocco. He scored both goals in the final. His first came in the 12th minute with a curling free kick into the corner. The second came in the 29th minute when he finished a cross from Othmane Maamma.
Argentina came into the match unbeaten. They had won six games in a row and conceded only two goals. But Morocco broke their flow early. Zabiri’s free kick shocked the South Americans and put them behind for the first time in the tournament.
Argentina kept most of the ball, with more than 70% possession in the first half. But they could not turn it into chances. Morocco stayed compact, defended strongly, and hit back on the counter. Goalkeeper Ibrahim Gomis made important saves to protect the lead.
In the first half, Argentina had two shots, none on target. Morocco had four shots, three on goal. Gianluca Prestianni tried to spark Argentina’s attack, but Morocco’s defense stopped him every time.
Coach Diego Placente made changes early to shift momentum, but nothing worked. Morocco stayed calm and confident, ending the half with a two-goal lead.
Argentina attacked hard in the second half. Maher Carrizo went close with a free kick, and VAR checked a possible handball, but no penalty was given. Their frustration grew as time ran out and yellow cards piled up.
Morocco made smart substitutions, including bringing on Ilias Boumasssaoudi for Maamma. They controlled the tempo and managed the final minutes well.
The Atlas Cubs stayed disciplined and organized until the final whistle. Argentina could not find a breakthrough.
It was a historic win for Morocco. This was their first U-20 World Cup final and their first title. It also ended Africa’s 16-year wait for a champion at this level. The last African winner was Ghana in 2009.
Morocco’s journey to the title was special. They topped a tough group with Spain and Brazil, beat South Korea in the round of 16, the United States in the quarterfinals, and France in a dramatic semifinal shootout.
