U20 FIFAWC: Atlas Cubs of Morocco beat Argentina U20 to clinch title

Morocco’s U20 national team etched their name into football history on Sunday, becoming only the second African country to win the FIFA U20 World Cup, after a 2–0 victory over six-time champions Argentina in the 2025 final in Santiago, Chile.

The triumph comes 16 years after Ghana’s historic win in 2009, and marks a continental breakthrough for North African youth football.

At the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos, Santiago, the Atlas Cubs silenced the six-time world champions to clinch the ultimate title after 20-year-old Yassir Zabiri's brace was decisive on the night to help the Northern African side to etch their names in history.

Zabiri’s first goal came from a sublime free-kick after a controversial VAR decision denied Morocco a penalty and red card on minute twelve. Yassir continued in his blistering form to grab his second of the final and ultimately, his fifth of the tourney, after a swift counterattack led by Ismael Baouf and Othmane Maamma, where the 20-year-old finished emphatically on the 29th minute.

Yassir's brace changed the narrative and ultimately gave Morocco the edge over favourites, Argentina, who could not defeat the Atlas Cubs.

Argentina, led by Diego Placente, entered the final as overwhelming favourites, having won all six previous matches and scoring 15 goals. But Mohamed Ouahbi’s Atlas Cubs  defied the odds with tactical discipline, fearless pressing, and clinical finishing.

Morocco’s victory signals a new era for African youth football, showcasing the continent’s growing depth, technical quality, and competitive edge on the global stage.