Santiago: Morocco secured the Under-20 World Cup (U20) title on Sunday evening in Santiago, Chile, defeating Argentina 2-0. This historic victory is attributed to the training policy implemented by the Mohammed VI Football Academy.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Academy, inaugurated in 2009 under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, trained the majority of players from this victorious generation. Among them is star striker Yassir Zabiri, who scored both goals in the 15th and 28th minutes, finishing as the tournament's top scorer with five goals in total. Zabiri has become a symbol of the success of the Moroccan training model.
The Academy's contribution extended beyond Zabiri, providing the team with excellent players such as Hamza Koutoune, Fouad Zahouani, Houssam Essadak, and Yassine Khalifi. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi emphasized the significance of the Academy's efforts, stating, "This title is the result of long-term work, of a structure that believes in Moroccan youth and in the quality of local training," while praising the royal vision for sustainable Moroccan football success.
This world title underscores the progress of Moroccan football, which had already achieved a historic semi-final at the 2022 World Cup, triumphed at the U23 CAN, and showcased strong performances by the women's and U17 teams. Observers view the Atlas Lion Cubs' victory as a testament to a well-structured project and a national policy centered on youth and performance.
The Mohamed VI Football Complex, spanning 30 hectares, boasts extensive facilities including four natural grass pitches, two synthetic pitches, an indoor pitch, and clay pitches reserved for beach soccer. Equipped with comprehensive infrastructure and advanced technology, the Complex aims to position Morocco as one of the leading football nations globally in the years to come.