Jubilant Moroccan football fans have praised their nation’s under-20 team after a solid 2-0 victory over Spain on Sunday in Santiago, Chile, in their first game of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

The Group C clash, played at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, underlined the Atlas Cubs’ growing stature on the world stage.

The first half was tightly contested, with Morocco nearly breaking the deadlock through Ismaël Baouf’s powerful header in the 27th minute. Spain responded with long-range attempts, but Morocco’s disciplined defence stood firm.

The breakthrough finally came after the interval when Yassir Zabiri burst past the Spanish backline to score in the 54th minute, before Gessime Yassine doubled the lead just four minutes later.

Despite Spain’s late push and a VAR-overturned penalty claim, Morocco held their ground to secure all three points.

Morocco, making their sixth appearance in the tournament, have shown steady progress at the youth level.

The Atlas Lions’ dominance over Spain has received glowing praises from pundits, as Spain is regarded as one of football’s global powerhouses.

The 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup, hosted in Chile, brings together 24 of the world’s most promising youth teams.

Morocco’s victory puts them in a strong position in Group C, where every point matters in the race to the knockout stages.

Nigeria, another African heavyweight with two U20 World Cup final appearances, will open their Group F campaign against Norway on Monday.