Morocco’s U20 national team sealed a historic qualification to the Round of 16 at the FIFA U20 World Cup after defeating Brazil 2-1 in a gripping group stage encounter on Thursday, October 2, 2025, in Chile.

The Atlas Cubs, buoyed by passionate support from Moroccan fans waving flags and chanting in red and green, delivered one of the standout performances of the tournament so far.

Brazil started brightly, dominating possession and creating clear chances, but goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch kept Morocco in the game with a series of decisive saves. The South Americans thought they had won a penalty midway through the first half, but a VAR review overturned the referee’s decision, to the relief of Moroccan supporters.

The match came alive after the break. In the 60th minute, Othmane Maamma broke the deadlock with a spectacular volley to put Morocco ahead. Yassir Zabiri doubled the lead soon after, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to send Moroccan fans into celebration.

Brazil responded late, pulling one back through Iago from the penalty spot, but it proved too little, too late as Morocco held firm to secure all three points.

The result leaves Morocco top of their group with six points from two matches, ahead of Mexico (2), Spain (1), and Brazil (1). With one game still to play, the North Africans are assured of a place in the knockout stages.

The Atlas Cubs will conclude their group campaign against Mexico on Saturday, October 4, at the Estadio Elías Figueroa Brander.