"No one expected Morocco U-20 to win the World Cup." Foot Africa expert answers some questions!

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Foot Africa

·27 Oktober 2025

"No one expected Morocco U-20 to win the World Cup." Foot Africa expert answers some questions!

Exclusive Interview

The achievement was great and its repercussions were wide for everyone.

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"No one expected Morocco U-20 to win the World Cup." Foot Africa expert answers some questions!

On a legendary night in Chile, the flag of the Kingdom of Morocco was raised high in the sky of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, achieving one of the greatest surprises in the history of world football. It wasn't just a fleeting victory; it was an earthquake that shook the foundations of the beautiful game, as the young "Atlas Lions" stormed the home of football legend Argentina, the defending champions and holders of a rich history in the tournament.

To further discuss this matter and its technical details, Foot Africa hosted the expert technical analyst Zaid Chkiri, who has worked with many academies in Morocco as a performance analyst and coach for age groups and was also responsible for training a number of players who achieved this accomplishment. They asked him about his opinion on some technical matters and inquired from him.

Zaid Chkiri

Hazem Mlhem: Captain Zaid, looking at the journey of the Moroccan U-20 national team, did you expect them to reach this stage of the tournament and clinch the title for the first time?

Zaid Chkiri: Honestly, no one anticipated winning the World Cup. After the draw, expectations were complicated, even somewhat intimidating, given the caliber of the teams. But expectations are one thing, and the pitch is another entirely. With organization, leveraging the high potential of the players, and years of serious development in the national youth teams, advancing to later stages was always a possibility. However, winning ultimately depends on moments and, at times, a bit of luck.

Hazem Mlhem: Technically, there are several standout names in the Moroccan team. But from your personal and technical perspective, who do you believe has the potential to follow in the footsteps of someone like Hakimi? Or which names have proven their quality over the years?

Zaid Chkiri: I believe Maalam and El Zabeiri, along with Bayor (a central midfielder) and Jassine, have already presented their credentials for the near future. However, in football, many factors come into play—establishing themselves with their clubs, maintaining high performance levels, and continuously evolving. Some names may emerge and develop over time, securing their place among the elite. But the ones I mentioned are the closest.

Hazem Mlhem: What does this achievement lack? I mean, what technical aspects need development that this accomplishment might have overshadowed?

Zaid Chkiri: This achievement is crucial for the current generation of players across various regions and clubs in Morocco. It serves as an additional motivation and fosters a new culture that will grow over time, creating an enduring football legacy. It’s also time for local clubs to seriously focus on youth development and coaches to enhance the quality of competitions at all levels. We must not stop at this achievement, lest it becomes merely a temporary surge. Instead, we must strengthen our roots and build an integrated system that elevates the Moroccan league, the fan experience, and the overall spectacle. Those familiar with Moroccan street culture know the abundance of raw talent that needs polishing and opportunities to shine.