Rancagua, Chile – Morocco’s phenomenal run at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 continued last night as the young Atlas Lions defeated South Korea 2-1 in a tense Round of 16 clash, securing their place in the tournament’s quarter-finals.
The victory confirms Morocco as the sole remaining African representative in the competition and further validates the country’s rising youth development program. Morocco set the pace early, taking the lead through a deflected effort in the opening minutes. The team doubled its advantage in the second half with a superb finish from Yassir Zabiri, who now stands out as one of Morocco’s key attacking talents. Although South Korea pulled a goal back late via a penalty, the North African side’s defense, which has conceded only two goals from open play all tournament, held firm until the final whistle.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s side, which impressively topped a “Group of Death” featuring Brazil and Spain, will now face a formidable challenge in the Quarter-Finals against the United States on Sunday, October 12. The U.S. comes into the match on the back of a decisive 3-0 victory over Italy.
Morocco will look to their strong tactical organization and the flair of players like Zabiri and Othmane Maamma to continue their quest to surpass their best-ever finish of fourth place, achieved in 2005.
QUARTER-FINALS: MOROCCO EDGES SOUTH KOREA 2-1 IN U-20 WORLD CUP THRILLER
