Morocco’s Atlas Cub are were crowned the FIFA U20 men’s World champions for the first time in history after defeating hot favorites Argentina 2-0 in the final played early Monday Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago,Chile.
Yassir Zabiri’s brace in 12 and 29th minute , stunning free-kick and a perfect volley were enough to ensure Morocco becomes the only 2nd nation after Ghana in 2009 to lift the trophy and stopping Argentina from bagging their 7th title.
The Atlas Cubs had lost to Mexico and had only defeated France on penalties, whereas Albiceleste had won all six of their games, scoring 15 goals and giving up just two.
The Atlas Cubs were able to hold the trophy 48 years after they took part in the first FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Morocco defeated Argentina in a FIFA U 20 World Cup final, making them the first side to do so in forty-two years.
Morocco’s Othmane Maamma and USA’s Benjamin Cremaschi have won the adidas Golden Ball and adidas Golden Boot respectively at the FIFA U-20 World Cup
Argentina had defeated Brazil, Uruguay, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Czech Republic to win the title since Jorginho, Dunga, Geovani, Bebeto, and company defeated their bitter rivals in the final match in Mexico 1983.
The historic achievement highlights the rise of a generation shaped by the Mohammed VI Football Academy, the cornerstone of King Mohammed VI’s vision for a world-class football nation.
Behind this triumph lies a long-term project: the Mohammed VI Academy.
Founded in 2009 under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the academy has trained most of the players in this golden team.
Discipline, technical excellence, and collective intelligence define this institution, now considered one of the finest in Africa.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi emphasized: “This title is the result of years of structured work a clear example of Morocco’s belief in its own youth and local talent.”
The star of the final, Yassir Zabiri, a product of the Mohammed VI Academy,with his five goals earning him the Golden Boot, embodying the new face of Moroccan football — confident, creative, and fearless.
This World Cup title follows the remarkable rise of Moroccan football: the senior team’s 2022 World Cup semifinal, the U23 AFCON victory, and strong performances by the U17 and women’s national teams.
All of these successes share one root — the royal vision and investment in training and infrastructure, embodied by the Mohammed VI Academy.
This triumph is more than a sporting achievement; it’s the validation of a national project.
From Salé to Santiago, Morocco has proven that with planning, structure, and belief, its football dreams can conquer the world.
The Mohammed VI Academy stands as the beating heart of this historic success.
