Morocco makes history: the young Lions conquer the world in Santiago

 

SANTIAGO — Nobody saw it coming, not even the most optimistic Moroccan fans. On a cool Monday night in Chile’s capital, Morocco’s U-20 team did the unthinkable — beating Argentina 2-0 to win the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The star of the night? Yasser Zabiri, the kid everyone will be talking about for years. In the 12th minute, he bent a free kick from just outside the box — one of those shots that seems to hang in the air forever before kissing the top corner. The Moroccan bench exploded.

A few minutes later, Zabiri did it again. After Othman Maâma tore down the right side on a blistering counterattack, he sent in a low cross. Zabiri didn’t even think — one touch, left foot, goal. 2-0. The Argentines looked stunned.

From then on, it was about discipline, grit, and heart. The young Atlas Lions defended like their lives depended on it. Every clearance, every save, every tackle was met with roars from the Moroccan fans scattered across the stands.

When the referee blew the final whistle, time froze. The players fell to the ground, some crying, some laughing, all realizing what they had just done. Morocco — the first Arab nation ever to win the U-20 World Cup, and only the second African country after Ghana back in 2009.

In the mixed zone, coach Abdelmajid El Amrani struggled to find words: “They played with soul. With courage. They deserve everything tonight,” he said, his voice breaking.

For Morocco, this wasn’t just football. It was a statement — a reminder that dreams from Casablanca, Rabat, or Fez can echo across the world.