In a historic night at the Julio Martínez Prádanos Stadium, the Atlas Cubs stunned six-time champions Argentina (2–0) to win the U20 World Cup, marking the first-ever world title in the nation’s football history. It was a victory of talent, strategy, and vision — the fruit of years of investment in youth football under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
A Message of Royal Pride and National Unity
Following the final, King Mohammed VI expressed his “immense joy and profound pride” in a heartfelt message addressed to the national team. “We salute this sporting feat, the fruit of your confidence, unwavering belief in your abilities, and the spirit of cohesion and harmony that you have shown,” declared the Monarch.
His Majesty congratulated the young Lions for “honoring their country and representing Africa with dignity,” emphasizing that they have proven Morocco’s youth “possess the talent and determination to create history.”
The King’s message encapsulated what this title means for Morocco — not just a sporting triumph, but the confirmation of a national project built around youth empowerment and football excellence.
Zabiri’s Brilliance Seals a Dream Final
The star of the night was Yassir Zabiri, Morocco’s 20-year-old forward and graduate of the Mohammed VI Football Academy, who scored both goals to sink Argentina.
In the 12th minute, Zabiri curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner to give Morocco the lead. Minutes later, he doubled the score with a composed finish after a fast counterattack (29’), cementing his status as top scorer and Player of the Tournament.
Behind him, the Moroccan defense stood firm — captain El Kabbaj and goalkeeper Hamza El Mellouki led a disciplined line that denied Argentina any chance of comeback.
The Mohammed VI Academy: Heart of a National Vision
At the heart of this golden generation lies the Mohammed VI Football Academy, inaugurated in 2009 under royal initiative.
Nearly all of the U20 world champions — including Zabiri, Maamma, and Hachimi — are products of this state-of-the-art institution in Salé.
The Academy has become a symbol of Morocco’s long-term investment in modern football training, emphasizing education, discipline, and tactical intelligence.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi praised the Academy’s role in the team’s rise: “This title is the result of years of structured work, of a vision that believes in Moroccan talent and trusts in local formation.”
Morocco’s Football Renaissance Continues
This U20 World Cup victory follows a series of exceptional performances by Moroccan teams: the men’s semi-final run at Qatar 2022, the U23 AFCON title, and the women’s and U17 teams’ continental breakthroughs.
Each of these achievements bears the imprint of the royal strategy for football development, combining infrastructure, elite training, and social investment.
The victory in Santiago confirms Morocco’s position as Africa’s new football benchmark, and a growing force on the global stage.
From Vision to Glory
From the training pitches of Salé to the world stage in Santiago, this triumph is more than a sporting feat — it is the manifestation of a royal vision, built on faith in youth, investment in knowledge, and the pursuit of excellence.
As King Mohammed VI declared, the young Atlas Cubs have brought “joy to millions of Moroccan fans” and proven that the Kingdom’s youth “can rise to every challenge and shine on the world stage.”
Morocco, once a dreamer, is now a world champion — and its journey is far from over.
