SANTIAGO, Chile, October 20, 2025: Morocco made football history on Sunday night by becoming the first Arab nation to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup, defeating Argentina 2-0 in the final held at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile. Yassir Zabiri scored both goals in the first half to secure the title for Morocco. The winger opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a direct free kick from just outside the box.
He struck again in the 29th minute, finishing from close range after a quick exchange in the penalty area. The result delivered Morocco its first U-20 world title and ended Argentina’s hopes of securing a record-extending seventh championship. Argentina, who entered the match with the tournament’s highest possession statistics, were limited to a handful of opportunities as Morocco maintained a compact defensive shape.
Despite having 65 percent possession, the South American side managed only two shots on target over 90 minutes. Morocco, in contrast, converted both of their on-target efforts in a disciplined display. The match was officiated by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani and played in front of a crowd of 43,253 spectators. The victory marked a culmination of Morocco’s strong campaign in the tournament, where the team remained unbeaten across all seven matches.
They conceded just three goals and scored 12 throughout the tournament. Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi praised his players following the final whistle. His squad included several standout performers, with Zabiri finishing as joint top scorer of the competition with five goals. Midfielder Othmane Maamma, who provided the assist for the second goal, was named the tournament’s best player and awarded the Golden Ball.
Argentina dominated possession but failed to score
Morocco had qualified for the U-20 World Cup after finishing as runners-up in the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. Their path to the title in Chile included group-stage wins over the United States and Uzbekistan, followed by knockout victories against Brazil, France, and Nigeria. This was Morocco’s third appearance in the U-20 World Cup and their first since 2005. Before this tournament, the team had never advanced beyond the Round of 16.
Their 2025 campaign, however, set several milestones, including their first win over a South American side at any FIFA men’s tournament and their longest unbeaten streak in a youth-level World Cup. Argentina, who had previously won the U-20 World Cup six times, reached the final after defeating South Korea in the semifinals. The team had not reached the final since their 2007 title win and entered the match as slight favorites based on experience and tournament pedigree.
2025 U-20 tournament ends with African victory in Chile
However, they were unable to break through Morocco’s organized back line, with captain Juan Sforza and forward Ignacio Maestro Puch both denied by Moroccan goalkeeper Taha Benrhozil. The result continues a string of recent successes for Moroccan football across various age levels and international competitions. It follows the senior team’s historic run to the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 and reinforces the country’s growing presence on the global football stage.
The 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup featured 24 teams and was hosted by Chile across four cities. Morocco’s win also marks the fourth time an African team has won the tournament, following Nigeria in 1985 and 1993, and Ghana in 2009. The next edition of the U-20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in 2027, with the host nation yet to be announced. – By Content Syndication Services.