- Morocco’s U20 World Cup Final Run ‘No Coincidence
Rabat, Morocco – In a historic achievement that underscores the strategic vision for sports under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco’s U20 national team has soared to the final of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, cementing the Kingdom’s status as a rising global football powerhouse.
The monumental qualification, secured after a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout victory over France, sets the stage for a final showdown against Argentina. This remarkable feat has been hailed as the direct result of a long-term development strategy championed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) within the framework of His Majesty’s unwavering support for youth and sport.
A Legacy of Excellence, Forged by Royal Vision
Fathi Jamal, the Technical Development Director at the FRMF, affirmed that this success is “no coincidence,” but rather the fruit of a deliberate and sustained investment in grassroots football and youth academies—a key pillar of the Kingdom’s sporting policy.
In an interview with FIFA, Jamal drew powerful parallels between the current squad and the legendary 2005 generation he coached, which reached the semi-finals in the Netherlands. He identified a common, unifying thread: a profound love for the nation and a sincere desire to represent the Kingdom with honor.
“The common aspect between the 2025 Chile generation and the 2005 Netherlands generation is their love for the country and their sincere desire to represent it in the best way possible,” Jamal stated. “Both generations have great passion, determination, and clear talent that allows them to perform at a high level.”
A Testament to Strategic Planning and National Pride
Mr. Jamal, who has closely monitored the team’s progression, expressed his unwavering confidence in the squad from the outset. “For me, this result was not a surprise. I’ve watched this team grow, and I was confident they would do well at the World Cup,” he said, attributing the success to “teamwork and the great effort of coach Mohamed Wahbi, who truly deserves respect and recognition.”
As the nation rallies behind its young lions, led by Captain Othmane Maâma, Jamal sent a resounding message of encouragement, urging them to “stay calm and focused, just as they have since the beginning of the tournament.”
“I have great faith in their abilities, and I hope they bring the trophy home and write a new chapter in Moroccan football history,” he added.
This historic World Cup run builds upon the monumental success of the senior Atlas Lions, who became the first African and Arab team to reach a World Cup semi-final in Qatar 2022. Together, these achievements symbolize a golden era for Moroccan football, reflecting the ambition, modernization, and unifying spirit championed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI. The entire nation now stands united, eagerly awaiting the final clash, ready to witness its heroes once again make history on the global stage.
