Morocco U20 Dares to Dream: Spain Down, Brazil Next—Chile’s Youth Titans Eye a Golden Era

Morocco U20 Opens World Cup with a Historic Win over Spain

In Chile, Morocco's under-20s stunned Spain in their World Cup opener, opening a wide path of optimism for the Atlas Cubs as they write new chapters across the youth categories.

Head coach Mohammed Hawbi said after the match that the win is just the start of a longer road, insisting the squad has the talent and ambition to keep shining in a group also featuring Spain, Mexico and Brazil.

Next Up: Brazil Test

Hawbi stressed that the second match against Brazil, scheduled for Thursday night, will be a tough test but also a chance to continue writing history. "We won't enter this game with narrow calculations or looking for a draw. We'll play with confidence, energy and optimism, with full respect for Brazil but our feet firmly on the ground," he said.

Morocco has faced Spain and Brazil in the 2005 edition in the Netherlands; the North Africans lost 3-1 to Spain in the group stage, but later avenged the result with a 2-0 win in Chile. In that same edition, they also lost the placement match to Brazil 2-1 in the final minutes, denying a historic third place.

Today, the "Atlas Cubs" aim to repay the Samba with the same spirit that toppled Spain.

Rakraki as Inspiration

Hawbi did not hide the significant influence left by the senior team's Qatar run under Walid Regragui, which took the Atlas Lions to the World Cup semifinals—the first time in Arab and African football history. He said that what happened with the first team has inspired us all and given the youth teams a powerful incentive to work even harder. It also helped players feel part of a larger national project.

“The high ceiling reached by the first team in Qatar was the starting point for everything happening now in the youth teams,” Hawbi added, noting they believe Moroccan talent can dominate not only continentally but globally.

The federation's trust and support from President Fouzi Lekjaa were also highlighted, with Hawbi thanking him for personal backing and for extending the faith to players who were unable to join due to club commitments. This support, he said, shows a national project that values every contributor and keeps the flame alive.

The win over Spain drew widespread media attention in Chile and around the world, with newspapers highlighting the promise of the Moroccan youth squad amid a group that includes Brazil, Mexico and Spain. As Brazil looms, interest grows, and a potential victory could position Morocco as a leading contender for the title, underscoring the recent rise of Moroccan football.

On the sidelines, Lekjaa continues to monitor closely, coordinating with Hawbi and the players and urging them to repeat the successes of other youth teams this year. The federation's broad strategy to develop youth continues to bear fruit.

The current generation embodies a steady path begun years ago, anchored by the success of the senior team in Qatar and multiple achievements at other youth levels. The Brazil match could prove a turning point, underscoring that Moroccan football is headed toward a golden era.

A victory next would be more than a progression; it would reinforce Morocco's presence on the world stage and demonstrate that the country is not just participating but competing at the highest levels. The Atlas Cubs' journey mirrors a broader revolution in Moroccan football, with a generation ready to challenge the best in the world.

Punchline 1: If ambition were a jersey, Morocco U20 would wear it twice per match—and lift it high while doing a victory dance.

Punchline 2: In football, as in comedy, the best punchlines come after the whistle—these kids are writing the script one goal at a time.