MOROCCO BECOMES FIRST ARAB NATION TO CLAIM THE 2025 FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP TITLE

Written by: Nompumelelo Mncube

Morocco made history by winning the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, defeating Argentina 2-0 in the final on Monday, courtesy of Yasser Zabeiri who scored both goals in the first half. This victory marks Morocco as the first Arab country and the second African nation, after Ghana in 2009, to win the U-20 World Cup. Zabiri’s double saw him tie with Golden Boot winner Benjamin Cremaschi on five goals during the tournament, with the USA star’s two assists ensuring he took home the individual trophy.

Zabiri nonetheless ended the tournament as the Silver Ball winner, elected by FIFA’s panel as the second most impressive player in the competition behind his compatriot Maamma. Othmane Maamane was named Player of the Tournament, claiming the Golden Ball, while final hero Yassir Zabiri took home the Silver Ball as the competition’s second-best player.

To reach the final, they edged past France by a 5-4 scoreline in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the semi-finals last Wednesday. On the other side, their opponents, Argentina, the most successful team in U-20 World Cup history with six titles, booked their place in the final after narrowly defeating Colombia 1-0.

Morocco’s success stands out even more considering the early exits of the other four African nations in the tournament.This includes Egypt, Nigeria, and the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions South Africa’s Amajita, who had previously beaten Morocco in the 2025 AFCON final. The Atlas Lion Cubs have written their names in gold, inspiring a new generation across Africa and beyond.