Morocco started strong and never looked back in the final of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Facing an undefeated and heavily favored Argentine side, the North Africans seized control early and held on for a historic victory, purely with great defensive work.<\/p>\n
Yassir Zabiri, who plays for Famalic\u00e3o in Portugal\u2019s top division, etched his name into football history with a sensational first half. His two goals not only made him the joint top scorer of the tournament but also delivered Morocco\u2019s first-ever U-20 World Cup title.<\/p>\n
Zabiri opened the scoring with a curling free kick from just outside the box in the 11th minute. He doubled the lead in the 28th, volleying home a cross to give Morocco an advantage they would never relinquish. Zabiri earned the Silver Ball for his performances, while Othmane Maamma\u2014who plays for Watford in the English Championship\u2014was named Player of the Tournament<\/a>. Maamma, born in France, spent his early years in the Montpellier academy before the move to Watford<\/a>.<\/p>\n The opening goal came after a brief VAR review\u2014no penalty was given, but Morocco capitalized immediately with Zabiri\u2019s stunning free kick.<\/p>\n Argentina dominated the match statistically, holding 75% possession, registering an xG of 1.23 to Morocco\u2019s 0.77, and completing 90% of their passes. Yet despite 11 corners and 17 total shots, they managed only three on target. Morocco\u2019s defensive resilience and Zabiri\u2019s first-half brilliance were enough to seal the upset, even as Argentina controlled much of the play.<\/p>\n Morocco\u2019s road to glory was anything but easy. After upset wins over Spain and Brazil in a difficult group, they fell 1-0 to Mexico and Gilberto Mora in the final group-stage match<\/a>. From there, Morocco defeated South Korea and the United States before edging France on penalties in the semifinals<\/a>\u2014with their third-choice goalkeeper coming on as a clutch substitute.<\/p>\n Moroccan football is shining across all levels right now. The senior team sits 11th in the FIFA rankings and is bound for a seventh World Cup<\/a>, following their remarkable fourth-place finish at Qatar 2022.<\/p>\nMorocco\u2019s Winding Path to the Final<\/h3>\n