Moroccan football continues to write its golden saga on the global stage, as the U20 youth national team has successfully reached the World Cup final for the first time in its history. The Young Atlas Lions achieved this feat after their heroic victory over France on penalties 5-4, following a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time during their thrilling encounter on Chilean soil last Wednesday.
The Young Atlas Lions are now preparing to face their most important match in history against Argentina, who secured their spot in the final after overcoming Colombia with a clean sheet in the other semifinal.
Final Match Schedule and Broadcasting Channels
Time and Venue
The decisive match is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, October 19, at the Santiago National Stadium in the Chilean capital, according to the following times:
- 11:00 PM on Sunday according to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
- 2:00 AM according to Mecca, Doha, and Cairo time
- Midnight (00:00) according to local time in Morocco
Viewing and Live Streaming Options
Football fans will be able to follow this historic encounter through several platforms, most notably:
- Bein Sports
- Moroccan Sports Channel TNT via terrestrial and satellite broadcast
- Official FIFA+ platform providing live streaming for all tournament matches
- FOX Sports America network through its channels FS1 and FS2
Historic Achievement Reshaping African Football Map
Morocco Continues Success Story
Following the exceptional achievement of the senior national team in Qatar 2022 when they became the first African representative to reach the semifinals before losing to France, then winning the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Moroccan youth generation continues the golden journey by achieving a new milestone added to Morocco's rich football record.
Distinguished Arab and African Position
The Moroccan team is the second Arab national team to reach the U20 World Cup final, after Qatar in 1981, when Al-Annabi lost to West Germany 4-0 on Australian soil.
On the African level, Morocco becomes the third continental team to achieve this feat after:
Ghana, who won the 2009 title against Brazil on penalties, in addition to losing the 1993 final to Brazil 2-1, and the 2001 final to Argentina 3-0.
Nigeria, who played two finals, the first in 1989 losing to Portugal 2-0, and the second in 2005 against Argentina 2-1.
It's worth noting that Morocco's previous best result in the youth tournament was fourth place during the 2005 edition hosted by the Netherlands.
Expected Lineups for Both Teams
Predicted Morocco Lineup
Ben Chaouiche in goal, defense line includes Maamar, Baaouf, Bekhti, and Zahwani, midfield features Biyar, Khalifi, and Maama, while attack is led by Sadek, Yassine, and Zibri.
Probable Argentina Lineup
Barbi as goalkeeper, defense consists of Gorosito, Ramirez, Perez, and Villalba, midfield includes Soler, Subiabre, and Acuna, while attack relies on Delgado, Prestianni, and Sarco.
Final Carries Aspirations of Promising Generation
This match represents a golden opportunity for the Young Atlas Lions to claim their first world title in this age category, given the high morale the team enjoys after overcoming the powerful French national team. On the other hand, Argentina seeks to add a new world title to its trophy cabinet rich with achievements across various age categories.
The date with history is approaching, and Moroccan and Arab fans eagerly await the kickoff whistle for a match that could witness Morocco's coronation with its first U20 World Cup title in its football history filled with achievements.