Morocco crowned U20 champions - Mashallah, a sign of real progress
Assalamu alaykum - and what a celebration for Morocco and the wider Ummah. In the streets and homes from Casablanca to communities abroad, Moroccans are rejoicing as their under-20 team lifted the World Cup trophy in Chile, proving yet again that the kingdom’s football project is moving in the right direction, mashallah.
Beating Argentina 2-0 in the final is a milestone. This win builds on recent successes: the senior women’s team taking silver twice at the Africa Cup of Nations, the men’s bronze at the Olympics and that unforgettable run by the Atlas Lions to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar. The youth titles across age groups show real depth and will add more expectation for the under-17s in Qatar next month and the senior side at the Africa Cup of Nations this winter.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi didn’t mince words: “We’re not waiting for 2030 to be world champions. We will try to be World Cup winners in 2026.” He led a smart campaign in Santiago, navigating a tough path where Morocco beat strong age-group teams and relied on fast, effective counter-attacks.
Yassir Zabiri’s curling free-kick and his second from Othmane Maamma’s cross put Morocco ahead, and the team defended its lead well. They overcame traditional powers and big squads of diaspora-born talent who chose to represent Morocco, which speaks volumes about the federation’s scouting and the appeal of the national project.
There’s also balance between home-grown academy graduates, like several who came through the Mohammed VI academy, and players developed in Europe who decided to wear the Moroccan shirt. The coaching staff have been building trust with these youngsters and their families, explaining the short-, medium- and long-term vision - and it’s paying off.
Individual youth success doesn’t guarantee future stardom, of course, but looking back at former U20 winners who became legends gives real hope. For now, enjoy the celebrations, keep the youngsters in your duas, and may Allah grant continued success and keep sport a source of unity and good for the country and the Ummah. Mubarak to Morocco and everyone involved.
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