Morocco’s U-20 national team has achieved a historic milestone, booking their place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup final in Chile for the first time in the nation’s history. Following their dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over France in the semi-final on 15 October 2025, head coach Mohamed Wahbi expressed immense pride in the Atlas Cubs’ resilience and determination. Speaking after the match, Wahbi said, “We came here to make history, to bring the trophy home, and to make the Moroccan people and His Majesty the King proud.” He highlighted the players’ fighting spirit, noting that their unit

Morocco’s U-20 national team has achieved a historic milestone, booking their place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup final in Chile for the first time in the nation’s history. Following their dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over France in the semi-final on 15 October 2025, head coach Mohamed Wahbi expressed immense pride in the Atlas Cubs’ resilience and determination. Speaking after the match, Wahbi said, “We came here to make history, to bring the trophy home, and to make the Moroccan people and His Majesty the King proud.” He highlighted the players’ fighting spirit, noting that their unity and belief had carried them through the tournament. “From the first whistle, the boys showed heart, unity, and belief. That’s what carried us through,” he added. The semi-final also marked another historic moment as Wahbi became the first coach to use FIFA’s new ‘challenge card’, allowing him to request a VAR review of a refereeing decision. During the tournament, he successfully challenged a penalty call, demonstrating the potential impact of FIFA’s Football Video Support (FVS) trial system. The challenge card allows coaches two reviews per match for critical incidents such as goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity, using standard broadcast footage to make VAR more accessible at tournaments with limited infrastructure. Reflecting on the semi-final against France, Wahbi emphasized Morocco’s bold attacking approach, saying, “We pressed high and created real chances to finish the game in regulation time. Fatigue set in during the latter stages, which is natural at this level. What mattered most was keeping our composure in the tough moments.” He also praised third-choice goalkeeper Abdelhakim Mesbahi for his heroics in the shootout that sealed Morocco’s place in the final. Looking ahead, Morocco is set to face Argentina U20 in the final on Monday, 20 October 2025, at 1:00 AM. Meanwhile, the third-place play-off between Colombia and France will take place on Saturday, 18 October 2025, at 9:00 PM. The other semi-final saw Argentina defeat Colombia 1-0 on 15 October 2025.

Morocco’s U-20 team makes history, reaching their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup final, as Coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s strategic use of the new ‘challenge card’ influences the semi-final drama

Wahbi promised that the team would maintain the same focus and intensity for the final. “We’ll continue to work with humility, confidence, and a winning mindset. The short rest period must be used wisely to prepare both physically and mentally,” he explained.

Mohamed Wahbi, Morocco U-20 coach, celebrates after guiding the Atlas Cubs to their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup final.”

The Moroccan tactician attributed the team’s success to collective spirit and brotherhood, highlighting that every player and staff member played a role in this historic journey. “We’ve proven that dreams can become reality with teamwork and belief. But our dream isn’t over yet — the final awaits,” Wahbi concluded.

“The Atlas Cubs celebrate their historic semi-final win over France, booking Morocco’s first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup final appearance

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