As Morocco prepares for its maiden FIFA U20 World Cup final, belief is soaring that the Atlas Cubs can defy the odds once more—this time against six-time champions Argentina. Former Morocco youth international Yassine Zouchou believes the underdog story could reach a fairytale ending, hailing the team’s fearless run and urging them to embrace the challenge.
Morocco’s Underdog Journey to the Final
Morocco has taken the football world by surprise in this year’s U20 World Cup. Under the guidance of head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, the North African side navigated a treacherous path to the final. Their campaign began with standout victories over European heavyweights Spain and Brazil in the group stage, setting the tone for a remarkable tournament run.
In the knockout rounds, the Atlas Cubs continued to defy expectations. They edged past South Korea 2-1 in the Round of 16, then eliminated tournament favorites the United States and France in successive matches. This impressive streak has earned them a historic first-ever appearance in the final—and a shot at becoming only the second African nation to lift the title.
Zouchou: “Morocco Has Nothing to Lose”
Yassine Zouchou, who played for Morocco’s U20 team that finished fourth in the 2005 tournament, believes this generation is capable of shocking the football world one more time.
“Our boys have done exceptionally well to reach this stage,” Zouchou told Flashscore. “No one expected them to go this far, and that gives them freedom—they have nothing to lose.”
He acknowledged Argentina’s pedigree but emphasized the unpredictable nature of football:
“Argentina is a top team with a rich history, but Morocco has shown spirit, discipline, and quality. If they stay composed and avoid conceding early, they have a real shot at making history.”
A Shot at African Glory
Morocco’s path to the final echoes the successes of previous African trailblazers. They are only the third African nation to reach this stage, following Nigeria and Ghana. Their best previous finish was fourth place in 2005—Zouchou’s own team—when they fell to Brazil in the third-place playoff.
Ghana remains the only African side to have ever won the U20 World Cup, triumphing over Brazil in a dramatic 2009 final. Morocco now stands on the brink of joining that elite club and rewriting African football history.
“This team isn’t like the one we had in 2005, and Argentina isn’t the same either,” Zouchou noted. “But what’s constant is the belief and passion. If Morocco can hold their nerve, they could bring the title home.”
Argentina: The Ultimate Test
Argentina, the most decorated team in U20 World Cup history, are appearing in their eighth final. They are chasing a record-extending seventh title, with their last victory coming in 2007. This year’s squad has looked dominant throughout, and a win in normal time would make them the first team since 2001 to win every match within 90 minutes.
A clean sheet would also put them alongside Uruguay (2023) as the only champions to keep opponents scoreless throughout the knockout rounds since the tournament expanded to 24 teams in 1997.
Forward Mateo Silvetti has also made headlines, and if he scores in the final, he’ll join legends like Diego Maradona, Ramon Diaz, and Lionel Messi as players to have netted in all four knockout games.
A Clash of Continents—and Footballing Ideals
This final marks the sixth time an African team has reached the U20 World Cup final—five of those encounters have been against South American opponents. Only once has Africa come out on top. For Morocco, the challenge is immense, but the opportunity is historic.
“I hope they go one step further,” Zouchou said. “This would be a landmark moment not just for Moroccan football, but for the entire continent. No matter the outcome, they’ve already made us proud.”
