Morocco Make History as Second African Champions and First Team in 42 Years to Beat Argentina in U-20 World Cup Final
Yassir Zabiri produced a dazzling display as Morocco stunned Argentina to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™ final, sealing the country’s first-ever triumph in the competition. The result made Mohamed Ouahbi’s side only the second African team to conquer the tournament after Ghana’s 2009 success, led by Andre Ayew.
Argentina, six-time champions and heavy favourites, entered the final unbeaten, with 15 goals scored and only two conceded. Morocco, meanwhile, had lost to Mexico and edged France on penalties. Yet the script began to unravel early at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago.
Zabiri raced through on goal, was brought down by Argentina goalkeeper Santino Barbi, and though Morocco wanted “a red card and a penalty,” VAR ruled for “a yellow and a free-kick.” The Atlas Cubs’ disappointment was short-lived as Zabiri majestically curled the set-piece into the top corner.
Moments later, Ismael Baouf recovered possession and fed Othmane Maamma, whose cross was volleyed home emphatically by Zabiri to double Morocco’s advantage.
Argentina threatened before the break when Mateo Silvetti pulled his shot inches wide, and Maamma saw another effort cleared off the line by Juan Villalba.
After halftime, Zabiri went close again, arrowing narrowly wide, while Argentina’s Ian Subiabre fired over from a promising move. Despite Argentina’s dominance in possession, Morocco’s backline, marshalled by Baouf, Fouad Zahouani and goalkeeper Ibrahim Gomis, stood firm.
At the final whistle, wild celebrations erupted as Morocco lifted the trophy for the first time, 48 years after debuting in the inaugural edition. The Atlas Cubs also became the first team in 42 years to beat Argentina in a FIFA U-20 World Cup final, completing a historic night in Santiago.
