Morocco stun Argentina to claim Under-20 World Cup title for the first time

Morocco shocked six-time champions Argentina 2-0 to win the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile for the first time in their history.

The young Atlas Lions delivered a commanding display, ending Africa’s 16-year wait for glory at this level.

Ghana’s Black Satellites were the continent’s only previous winners, triumphing memorably in 2009.

Yassir Zabiri’s clinical first-half brace put Morocco in control. His first goal was a sharp finish after a flowing move, sending the travelling Moroccan supporters into delirium.

His second was a low strike from the edge of the area, sealing the result before the break.

Despite their pedigree and being favourites, Argentina never recovered from the double blow.

After topping their group, Morocco defeated South Korea, the United States and France in successive knockout games.

For Argentina, it was a rare night of frustration as they suffered their first loss in an Under-20 final since 1983.

Many people expected them to come into the tie and prove overwhelming for Morocco, but they were constantly second best.

Missing starlets Claudio Echeverri (Bayer Leverkusen) and Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid), they struggled to impose their rhythm and suffered their first defeat of the tournament.

Morocco playmaker Othmane Maamma was named the Golden Ball winner as the tournament’s best player.

The win in Santiago is a watershed moment for Moroccan football and proof that their investment in youth development is bearing fruit.