October 20, 2025
By Tobi Akinnubi
Morocco made history on Monday morning by winning the 2025 FIFA Men’s Under-20 World Cup after defeating six-time champions Argentina 2-0 in the final held at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Chile.
The North Africans produced a spirited performance to clinch their first-ever FIFA trophy, marking a landmark achievement not only for the country but also for African football.
Yassir Zabiri emerged as the star of the night, scoring both goals for Morocco. The forward opened the scoring in the 12th minute after capitalizing on a defensive lapse, before doubling the lead in the 29th minute with a composed finish that left the Argentine goalkeeper with no chance.
Despite Argentina’s efforts to fight back in the second half, Morocco’s defense held firm, frustrating the South Americans who had dominated possession but lacked precision in the final third.
The victory makes Morocco only the second African nation to lift the FIFA U-20 World Cup, following Ghana’s triumph in 2009. It also caps a remarkable tournament run for the Atlas Cubs, who had earlier eliminated Brazil and France on their way to the final.
Argentina, who came into the match as favourites after defeating Nigeria’s Flying Eagles 4-0 in the second round, were denied a record-extending seventh title as Morocco’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing proved decisive.
The win continues Morocco’s recent surge on the global stage, following their senior national team’s historic semi-final finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a testament to the nation’s growing football development and investment in youth talent.
