Morocco etched its name into football history on Sunday night, clinching their first-ever FIFA U20 World Cup title with a commanding 2–0 victory over six-time champions Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile.
The North African side delivered a disciplined, tactically astute performance, spearheaded by Yassir Zabiri, whose first-half brace stunned a dominant but wasteful Argentine team.
Zabiri opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a sublime curling free-kick that left Argentine goalkeeper Santino Barbi rooted to the spot.
The Moroccan winger doubled his tally 16 minutes later, finishing off a well-timed pass from Othmane Maamma with a clinical strike from close range.
Despite Argentina’s overwhelming control of possession—holding 71 per cent of the ball, they found it difficult to penetrate Morocco’s well-drilled defensive unit.
Time and again, Morocco’s backline repelled waves of Argentine attacks, while their goalkeeper delivered crucial saves to keep a clean sheet.
Argentina had moments to claw back into the contest, including several free-kicks and VAR reviews, but failed to capitalise on any of their chances.
As the match wore on, Morocco further tightened their grip by making tactical substitutions to shore up the midfield and defence, effectively choking off Argentina’s creativity.
Zabiri was deservedly named Man of the Match for his decisive contribution, becoming a national hero in the process.
Sunday’s result marked a watershed moment for Moroccan football and added to the country’s growing list of recent footballing achievements on the world stage.
It also marked the first time an African nation lifted the U20 World Cup since Ghana’s triumph in 2009.
For Argentina, the defeat was a bitter disappointment, as they missed out on a record-extending seventh title.
As the final whistle blew, Moroccan players, coaching staff, and travelling supporters erupted in celebration, bringing to life a historic chapter in African and global football.
