Morocco Defeats Spain 2–0 in Opening Match of FIFA U20 World Cup
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco’s U20 football team made a strong start to their FIFA U20 World Cup campaign with a 2–0 victory over Spain in Group C action on Sunday at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile.
The opening half was marked by Spanish dominance in possession, with 67 percent compared to Morocco’s 33 percent, as Spain attempted 10 shots to Morocco’s eight. Despite the pressure, the score remained level at 0–0 heading into the break.
Morocco struck early in the second half when Tassir Zabiri netted the opener in the 54th minute with a precise finish from the center of the box. Just four minutes later, Othmane Maamma set up Gessime Yassine, who doubled Morocco’s lead with a left-footed shot from close range into the top right corner.
Spain attempted to rally with increased attacking pressure, including corners and long-range efforts, but Morocco’s defense held firm to secure the clean sheet. The two-goal cushion gave the North African side confidence to maintain control and see out the match without errors.
The victory marks a triumphant return for Morocco to the U20 World Cup after a 20-year absence, having qualified as runners-up in the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations. With Brazil and Mexico also in their group, the result provides Morocco with an important early advantage in what promises to be a highly competitive group stage.
