Morocco win 2025 U-20 World Cup after Zabiri double

SANTIAGO, Chile — Morocco defeated Argentina 2-0 on Sunday to win the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, delivering the North African side its first U20 crown and only the second U20 title for an African nation since Ghana in 2009. Yassir Zabiri scored both goals in the first half, putting Morocco in control and securing a historic victory in front of a packed stadium.

Zabiri opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a curled free kick that beat Argentina goalkeeper Santino Barbi. He doubled the advantage in the 29th minute, finishing from close range after a build-up involving Othmane Maamma. Morocco then adopted a compact defensive shape after the interval and withstood Argentina pressure to preserve the lead through the final whistle.

Argentina entered the match unbeaten in six games, having scored 15 goals and conceded two en route to the final. Mateo Silvetti had supplied the decisive goal in Argentina’s 1-0 semifinal win over Colombia, but the South Americans were unable to break down Morocco’s organized defense in the championship match. Morocco’s run to the title included group-stage wins over Spain and Brazil and knockout...