Morocco march into FIFA U-20 World Cup quarterfinals

Morocco have advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025, becoming Africa’s only remaining team in the tournament after a 2–1 victory over Korea Republic in Rancagua, Chile, on Thursday night.

Following the knockout-stage exits of Nigeria and South Africa against Argentina and Colombia respectively, and Egypt’s early elimination in the group stage, Morocco stand as Africa’s sole representative at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The Atlas Cubs join Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Colombia, France, Norway, and the United States in the quarterfinal lineup.

Forward Yassir Zabiri, who plays for Portuguese club FC Famalicão, scored both goals for Morocco, taking his tally to three in the competition and extending their unbeaten run.

The win sealed their superb form and set up a quarterfinal clash against the USA scheduled for Sunday, 12 October.

The Atlas Cubs have revived memories of Morocco’s senior team’s historic 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar, where the Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.