In what has been a glittering period of recent success at all levels for Morocco, the nation’s U-20 side is out to emulate the positivity that has been garnered by their U-17 and U-23 sides, both of whom won their respective CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Although the U-20s reached the final of this year’s CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in Cairo saw them miss out on a title of their own. That did though secure their passage to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™ where they are aiming to put on an impressive performance and go deep into the tournament.
They have good reason to set such lofty ambitions given they possess a crop of highly talented youngsters and with the positivity that surrounds Moroccan football at the moment.
The nation will feature at a fourth U-20 World Cup, although their first since the Netherlands 2005 where they finished fourth, their best result to date.
Although they have not qualified for the tournament in the last two decades, this cohort of Moroccan starlets certainly have what it takes to go far in Chile despite a tricky group stage draw.
Morocco’s Group C fixtures
28 September
Morocco-Spain (17:00, Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Pradanos)
1 October
Brazil-Morocco (20:00, Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Pradanos)
4 October
Mexico-Morocco (17:00, Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander)
All times local
The coach: Mohamed Ouahbi
Belgian-born Ouahbi is a key figure in Moroccan youth football, with the 49-year-old gaining considerable experience working in European academies and having a reputation for being able to nurture young talent.
In March 2022, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation appointed him at the helm of the U-20 side, where he helped deliver World Cup qualification with that runners-up finish at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Although Morocco face a tough group stage, Ouahbi told FIFA that he was relishing the opportunity to compete against some of the world’s strongest teams.
Star player: Othmane Maamma
Known for his speed and dribbling skills, Maamma is set to be a key figure for coach Mohamed Wahbi. He impressed at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations as the Atlas Cubs reached the final, having been brought into the U-20 set-up back in September 2023.
Maamma made his professional debut for Montpellier against Monaco towards the end of the 2023/24 season, before starting and scoring against Nice in the next Ligue 1 game. He was hampered by injury in 2024/25, yet still secured a move to English Championship side Watford in summer 2025.
One to watch: Ali Maamar
Maamar is emerging as one of Morocco’s brightest young prospects. The right-back made his first-team debut for Anderlecht in January in a league match against Club Brugge. Since then, Maamar has grown into a key figure for the Belgian side, starting four of their opening six league games this term and making nine appearances across all competitions to date.
With his balanced defensive and attacking qualities, the 19-year-old is expected to play a main role for his country in South America.
