Rancagua, October 9, 2025 – The Europe Today: Morocco made history once again, advancing to the quarterfinals of the FIFA U20 World Cup with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over South Korea in Rancagua. With this win, Morocco remains the only African team left in the tournament, marking another proud moment for the nation’s youth football program.
The match was characterized by high intensity and physical play, but Morocco’s tactical discipline and sharp execution in key moments proved decisive. South Korea nearly opened the scoring in the 4th minute, only to be denied by a crucial block from Ismaël Baouf. The moment galvanized the Moroccan side, who began to dominate through their dynamic wing play, with Maamma and Yassini leading the charge.
Morocco’s breakthrough came early in the 8th minute when Yassir Zabiri’s acrobatic bicycle kick attempt deflected off Korea’s Shin Min-Ha and into the net, registering as an own goal but highlighting Morocco’s relentless attacking intent.
South Korea pressed for an equalizer and appealed for a penalty in the 44th minute following contact between Gessime Yassine and a Korean forward, but the referee dismissed the claims.
Morocco extended their lead in the 58th minute when Maamma delivered a pinpoint cross that found Zabiri, who finished clinically to make it 2–0. Despite Morocco’s solid defensive organization, Korea continued to pose threats, recording 12 shots compared to Morocco’s 10.
As the game approached its conclusion, Maamma and Zabiri—both instrumental in Morocco’s success—were substituted in the 78th minute to preserve energy for the next round. However, the closing minutes saw renewed drama. Following a video review prompted by Korea’s coach, the referee awarded a penalty, which Tae-Won Kim converted to narrow the deficit to 2–1.
Morocco held firm in the final moments to secure a historic victory and a place in the quarterfinals, where they will face the United States, the tournament’s top scorers, on October 12.
The win cements Morocco’s growing reputation as a rising power in youth football and stands as a testament to the country’s continued investment in talent development.
