Morocco Celebrates Historic U20 World Cup Victory with Massive Parade in Rabat

Morocco’s under-20 team celebrated their 2-0 victory over Argentina in Santiago, Chile with a grand homecoming in Rabat.

“Here is a summary of the key news highlights: - Tony Wakeham won the PC Party leadership in Newfoundland and Labrador, signaling potential political changes in the region”

The Economic Times

The squad was honored at the royal palace and paraded through the capital city.

The Economic Times

Western mainstream media highlighted the historic achievement as the first for an Arab country at this level and the ceremonial event with the royal family.

Local and regional reports focused on the street celebrations and the timing of the procession.

Match coverage emphasized Yassir Zabiri’s two goals and Othmane Maamma’s impressive performance throughout the tournament.

The parade was seen as the celebratory climax to a defensive masterclass on the world stage.

Royal protocol shaped the celebration.

According to official notices, the King was to personally receive the team at the Royal Palace before a public procession.

Morocco World News

The procession was scheduled to begin around 6:30 p.m., passing through Bab Essoufara and along Avenue Mohammed V.

Reports varied on who led the palace honors, with some noting the King’s audience and others the Crown Prince’s ceremony.

All accounts agreed on a hero’s welcome culminating in a citywide parade.

On the field, sources agree Yassir Zabiri struck twice—including a free kick—to sink the previously unbeaten Argentines.

“King Mohammed VI praised Morocco's football team for their historic tournament victory, marking them as only the second African nation, after Ghana, to win since 1977”

RFI

However, reports differ on awards and even the names of key players.

Some accounts name Othmane Maamma as the tournament’s best player.

There are also varying reports on which goalkeeper made decisive saves.

Discrepancies appear over a key VAR incident, reflecting different perspectives on the match.

These differing views contributed to the celebratory narrative on parade day.

Regionally, outlets agree that Morocco is the first Arab nation to win the U20 World Cup.

Most sources also emphasize that Morocco is only the second African nation to win the tournament after Ghana in 2009, although one report incorrectly states this fact.

VAVEL

Several sources place the victory within a larger context of investment and a golden era for Moroccan football.

They link the win to recent successes of the senior national team and Morocco's upcoming role as a host for future events.

Crowds packed Rabat to sing, wave flags, and accompany the open-top buses.

“Morocco won the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup by defeating Argentina 2-0 in the final in Santiago, Chile, becoming the second African nation to win the tournament after Ghana in 2009”

Premium Times Nigeria

Mainstream outlets documented the official festivities while local media captured fan color in detail.

Premium Times Nigeria

Coverage breadth differed widely, with some reports blending parade news with broader or even off-topic items.

Other reports stuck tightly to the celebration’s scenes and milestones.