Morocco is basically the center of the footballing universe right now. You’ve probably seen the highlights of the senior team in Qatar, but what the kids just did in South America? That’s the real story. Honestly, nobody expected the Atlas Cubs to stroll into Chile and walk away with the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
It wasn't just a win. It was a statement.
The Morocco national under-20 football team games have shifted from "hopeful development matches" to "must-watch global events." If you missed the final against Argentina on October 19, 2025, you missed history. Two goals from Yassir Zabiri. A clean sheet against the most successful nation in the tournament's history. It was clinical.
The Road to the World Title
The journey didn't start in Santiago. It started with a grueling U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt earlier in 2025. Morocco was relentless there too, though they ultimately fell 1-0 in the final to South Africa. That loss hurt. You could see it on their faces. But it served as the ultimate wake-up call.
When they landed in Chile for the World Cup, they were drawn into what everyone called the "Group of Death." Spain, Brazil, and Mexico. Most experts—the ones who look at spreadsheets instead of soul—predicted an early exit.
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Morocco had other plans.
They opened by dismantling Spain 2-0. Then came the shocker: a 2-1 win over Brazil. Even a narrow 1-0 loss to Mexico couldn't stop them from winning the group. It was the first sign that Mohamed Ouahbi’s tactics weren't just about "sitting back and countering." They actually wanted the ball.
Key Knockout Results (The Path to Glory)
- Round of 16: A tight 2-1 victory over a disciplined South Korea side.
- Quarter-finals: They brushed aside the USA 3-1, showcasing a physical dominance many didn't know they had.
- Semi-finals: This was the heart-stopper. 1-1 against France, going all the way to a 5-4 penalty shootout.
- The Grand Final: A 2-0 masterclass against Argentina.
Why These Games Felt Different
Usually, youth football is messy. It’s chaotic. But these Morocco national under-20 football team games felt... professional. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who spent years at Anderlecht’s academy, brought a European tactical discipline that merged perfectly with the raw, North African flair of the players.
Take Yassir Zabiri. The kid is at FC Famalicão in Portugal, and he plays like a seasoned vet. His free-kick in the 12th minute of the final? Pure filth. It curled into the top corner before the Argentine keeper even realized the whistle had blown.
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Then there’s Othmane Maamma. He’s at Watford now. The way he and Gessime Yassine operated on the wings was basically a nightmare for fullbacks. They didn't just run; they manipulated space.
It’s worth mentioning the defense, too. Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal and Ismael Baouf formed a wall that allowed only five goals throughout the entire World Cup. In a tournament where teenagers usually make silly mistakes, these guys stayed ice-cold.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Atlas Cubs"
A common misconception is that this success is a fluke or just a "golden generation" that appeared out of thin air. It isn't. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has been pouring money into the Mohammed VI Football Academy for years.
They are scouting the diaspora like never before. Look at the roster. You have kids born in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands choosing to play for Morocco at 17 and 18 years old. They aren't waiting for a senior call-up from a European powerhouse; they want the Moroccan project now.
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Upcoming Fixtures: What's Next?
So, what do you do after winning the World Cup? You defend the crown.
The focus now shifts toward the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. While the 2025 cycle is over, a new crop of talent is already being integrated.
Expect to see some heavy-hitting friendlies in early 2026. Rumors are swirling about a "Champions vs. Champions" friendly against the European U-19 winners. The Federation wants these players tested against senior-level competition as soon as possible to prepare them for the 2030 World Cup, which—don't forget—Morocco is co-hosting.
Real Talk on the Future
Can they sustain this? It’s hard. Youth levels are notoriously volatile. Players grow, they change clubs, they lose focus. But the infrastructure in Rabat and the scouting network in Europe suggest this isn't a one-off.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to keep up with the Morocco national under-20 football team games, here is how you actually do it:
- Follow the FRMF Socials: The Moroccan Federation is surprisingly good at posting live streams of youth friendlies on YouTube and Facebook.
- Watch the "Arryadia" Channel: This is the go-to spot for Moroccan sports. If the U-20s are playing, even a training match, Arryadia is usually there.
- Track the "Scouts": Follow accounts like Moroccan Grinta or Soccer212 on X (formerly Twitter). They track every dual-national kid from the age of 14.
- Look Beyond the Goals: Watch how the team transitions from defense to attack. Under Ouahbi, they use a 4-2-3-1 that is incredibly fluid. If you see them switch to a 4-4-2 mid-game, pay attention—it usually means they’ve spotted a weakness in the opponent's wing-backs.
The 2025 world title changed everything. The Atlas Cubs aren't just a "developing" team anymore. They are the team to beat.