Morocco's football ascent continues with U-20 World Cup victory

Morocco's national football program has achieved another milestone by capturing the FIFA U-20 World Cup title with a 2-0 victory over Argentina in Chile. The Atlas Lions' triumph, secured through two goals from Portuguese-based striker Yassir Zabiri, makes them only the second African nation to claim the prestigious youth tournament after Ghana's 2009 victory. This success further elevates Morocco's growing reputation in international football following their historic semifinal appearance in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Strategic Infrastructure Development

The country's football renaissance results from deliberate long-term planning and substantial infrastructure investment. Morocco has renovated or completely rebuilt major stadiums in Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir, Marrakesh, and Rabat, with the iconic Ibn Battuta Stadium expanding its capacity from 45,000 to 75,000 seats. These facility enhancements, part of an $8.7 billion rail and infrastructure modernization program, directly support Morocco's preparations to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

Youth Academy Foundation

Central to Morocco's football strategy is the Mohammed VI Football Academy, established in 2009 under royal patronage to identify and develop young talent. The academy system has produced a generation of players who now compete at top European clubs, with over 700 Moroccan footballers currently playing abroad. This pipeline of professionally trained athletes has strengthened both domestic clubs and the national team program, creating a sustainable model for football development that benefits from international experience.

Women's Football Advancement

Morocco's football revolution extends beyond the men's game, with significant investment in women's football yielding tangible results. The women's national team has reached the finals of the last two Women's Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and aims to claim the title when it hosts the 2026 competition. The country provides scholarships for both boys and girls to pursue football careers, ensuring the sport's growth across genders and establishing football as Morocco's dominant sport.

Global Tournament Ambitions

With eight consecutive victories in their 2026 World Cup qualification group, Morocco has demonstrated that their 2022 semifinal performance was no anomaly. The team's consistent excellence under coach Walid Regragui positions them as serious contenders for future international honors. As co-hosts of the unprecedented six-country 2030 World Cup spanning three continents, Morocco stands poised to showcase both its organisational capabilities and footballing quality on the global stage.