Heroes’ welcome for Under-20 World Cup champions Morocco

Sixteen years after Ghana’s historic triumph, Morocco have joined the elite circle of FIFA U-20 World Cup winners, defeating Argentina 2–0 on Sunday at the Julio Martínez Prádanos Stadium in Santiago, Chile.

Led by an inspired Yassir Zabiri, who scored both goals in a dazzling man-of-the-match performance, the Atlas Lion Cubs delivered a disciplined yet fearless display that silenced the six-time champions.

The Moroccan team were greeted by thousands of fans in Rabat on Wednesday for a parade to celebrate their historic victory in the Under-20 World Cup last week.

Morocco became the first Arab country to win the tournament with a 2-0 triumph over favourites Argentina in Sunday’s final in Chilean capital Santiago.

Before the parade, Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan presided over a ceremony in honour of the team at the royal palace.
The players were then driven through the streets of Rabat on an open-top bus, to the delight of jubilant supporters and to the sound of vuvuzelas.

Under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco combined defensive strength with incisive attacking football to secure their first-ever global title. Zabiri — the tournament’s breakout star — finished as Golden Boot winner with five goals.

Just months after finishing runners-up at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco have now conquered the world, marking another milestone in the country’s rapidly advancing youth football program under the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

The triumph came with a sweep of individual honours: Othmane Maamane was named Player of the Tournament and awarded the Golden Ball, while Zabiri added the Silver Ball to his collection.

With this victory, the Atlas Lion Cubs have etched their names in football history — inspiring a new generation across Africa and beyond.

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