Despite the loss, recognition for the young players came quickly from the senior national team. Hours after the match, Lionel Scaloni shared a message on his official Instagram account, congratulating the squad for their performance throughout the tournament.

In his post, the head coach praised the commitment and determination of the players while also acknowledging the work of Diego Placente and his technical staff, who had previously guided Argentina to the semifinals of the 2023 U-17 World Cup.

“We have the boys, the passion, the feeling, the motivation, the discipline, and the fight… Argentina and the senior national team staff are very proud of you. Thanks to the entire delegation, Bernardo Romeo, Diego Placente and his technical staff, and especially the players for what they achieved in this World Cup. Vamos Argentina!” Scaloni wrote.

Lionel Messi shows support for the Under-20 team

Captain of the senior national team, Lionel Messi, also joined in congratulating the young players. On his official Instagram account, Messi posted an image of the AFA emblem along with a message of encouragement for the squad that represented Argentina with pride, even though they could not lift the trophy.

“Keep your heads up, guys! You played an incredible tournament, and although we all wanted to see you lift the trophy, we are left with the joy of everything you gave us and the pride of seeing how you defended the celeste y blanca with your hearts,” Messi wrote.

Still the greatest despite the loss

Even with the defeat, Argentina remains the most successful team in the U-20 category. The Albiceleste maintain an outstanding record in the competition, having won six titles in eight finals played.

Their first championship came in Japan in 1979 with Diego Maradona leading the way. José Pekerman’s era added two more titles in Qatar 1995 and Malaysia 1997. Javier Saviola and Lionel Messi, respectively, then spearheaded the teams that won in Argentina 2001 and the Netherlands 2005, with the most recent triumph coming in Canada 2007 under Sergio Aguero.

If there is a sentiment Messi can relate to, it is feeling the sadness as a major international tournament slips through his and Argentina’s hands. However, if there is a lesson to be learned from Messi, it is that there is always a shot at redemption.

“Heads up, guys,” Messi wrote on an Instagram story. “You had an incredible tournament, and even though we all wanted to see you lift the trophy, we’re left with the joy of everything you gave us and the pride of watching you defend the sky blue and white with all your heart.“

Harsh blow

Coming into the game as favorites, Argentina was in for a rude awakening as Morocco came out swinging, finding the back of the net less than 15 minutes in. The youth Atlas Lions controlled the pace of the match, striking on the counterattack to put the game out of reach with more than half the game left to play.

Although Argentina held possession, Morocco never looked fazed; instead, it displayed composure throughout the 90 minutes. When all was said and done, Morocco dominated the tactical side of the game and capitalized on every mistake by Argentina. An obviously heartbreaking loss for the Argentina U-20 national team, but certainly a key lesson for the young talents on the roster.

Messi’s numbers in FIFA U-20 World Cups

Though eligible to play in two tournaments, Messi has only appeared in one FIFA U-20 World Cup. Still, one was more than enough for the world class phenom to showcase his skills at an early age.

During the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands, Messi shined en route to a gold-medal finish, helping Argentina secure its fifth U-20 World Cup title. The Albiceleste now boasts six U-20 World Cups, the most by any country.

Back on Messi’s accolades from his lone participation in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, during the 2005 edition he registered six goals, including a brace in the final against Nigeria, which ended in a 2-1 triumph for the Albiceleste. Thanks to his marvelous performance, Messi was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player and the Golden Boot as its leading goal scorer.

For Argentina, it was a frustrating night in Santiago. Despite their dominance on the ball and numerous attempts through Gianluca Prestianni and Maher Carrizo, the South Americans lacked the precision needed in the final third. The defeat marked the first time in the tournament that Argentina trailed in a match, and it ultimately cost them the chance to extend their impressive legacy in youth soccer.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s composure and tactical balance proved decisive. Goalkeeper Ibrahim Gomis made crucial saves, while Othmane Maamma and Zabiri combined to punish every Argentine mistake. The African side not only made history by winning the U-20 World Cup for the first time but also showcased the growth of their youth development — a golden generation that wrote a new chapter in Moroccan soccer.

Argentina reached the final after defeating Colombia 1-0 in the semifinals. The South Americans have won all six of their matches in the tournament and are aiming to claim their seventh world title at the U-20 level.

They arrive with a nearly full-strength squad. Head coach Diego Placente will have Maher Carrizo, the Velez Sarsfield forward, available again after serving a suspension for yellow card accumulation. However, Argentina will be without Valente Pierani and Alvaro Montoro. Pierani, the Estudiantes defender, suffered a knee sprain in the quarterfinals against Mexico, while Montoro, from Botafogo, fractured his collarbone.

On the other hand, Morocco reached the decisive match after defeating France in a penalty shootout in the semifinals. The African side has suffered only one loss in the tournament — against Mexico in the group labeled as the “group of death.”

What happens if Argentina and Morocco tie?

According to the official regulations of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, if a knockout-stage match ends in a draw, the first tiebreaker will be extra time, consisting of two 15-minute halves.

If Argentina and Morocco remain level after extra time, the match will proceed to a penalty shootout — much like the senior World Cup final between Argentina and France at Qatar 2022.

Should the deadlock persist through extra time, the winner will be determined by penalties, with the team converting the most from the spot advancing — or, in this case, lifting the trophy.

[Watch Argentina U20 vs Morocco U20 online in the US on Fubo]

For Argentina, it has been a near-perfect campaign. The Albiceleste reached the final after defeating Colombia 1-0 in the semifinal, maintaining a flawless record with six straight wins. The South Americans are now aiming for their seventh Under-20 world title — a feat that would further cement their dominance in youth soccer.

Morocco, meanwhile, booked their ticket to the final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France in the semifinals. The African side has lost only once in the tournament — a narrow defeat to Mexico during the group stage — and they will now look to make history by lifting their first-ever U-20 World Cup trophy.

Argentina lineup vs Morocco

Heading into the decisive match, head coach Diego Placente will welcome back Maher Carrizo, the Velez Sarsfield forward who missed the semifinal against Colombia due to suspension. Carrizo has been a regular starter throughout the tournament, and his return could be a major boost for Argentina’s attacking options.

However, Placente will still be without Valente Pierani and Alvaro Montoro, both unavailable for selection due to injuries. Here’s how Argentina line up: Santino Barbi; Dylan Gorosito, Tobias Ramirez, Tomas Perez, Juan Manuel Villalba, Julio Soler; Milton Delgado, Valentino Acuna; Maher Carrizo, Gianluca Prestianni, Alejo Sarco.

Morocco starting eleven vs Argentina

Morocco, led by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, have impressed throughout the tournament with their balance between defensive structure and attacking flair. The team’s main threats lie in players such as Othmane Maamma, Yassir Zabiri, and Gessime Yassine, whose speed and creativity in transition have caused problems for every defense they’ve faced.

With no major absences reported, Morocco are fielding their strongest lineup in pursuit of an unforgettable triumph. Morocco lineup: Ibrahim Gomis; Ali Maamar, Ismael Baouf, Smail Bakhty, Fouad Zahouani; Naim Byar, Yassine Khalifi; Othmane Maamma, Houssam Essadak, Gessime Yassine; Yassir Zabiri.

[Watch Argentina U20 vs Morocco U20 online in the US on Fubo]

The tournament’s biggest showdown is in full swing as the U20 crown hangs in the balance. Morocco, coming off a gritty penalty shootout win over France, aims to make history and assert themselves against a powerhouse with a strong track record at this stage.

On the other side, Argentina, the tournament’s most decorated team, are riding high after a dominant semifinal win over Colombia and are chasing their seventh U20 World Cup title, setting the stage for a thrilling clash between emerging talent and established pedigree.

When will the Argentina U20 vs Morocco U20 match be played?

Argentina U20 will square off with Morocco U20 on Sunday, October 19, for the 2025 U20 World Cup final. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM (ET).

Argentina U20 vs Morocco U20: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:00 PM
CT: 6:00 PM
MT: 5:00 PM
PT: 4:00 PM

How to watch Argentina U20 vs Morocco U20 in the USA

Don’t miss this exciting 2025 U20 World Cup match between Argentina U20 and Morocco U20 in the USA. Watch the match on Fubo. Other options are: FS2, Telemundo, DirecTV Stream.

Colombia came close to reaching their first-ever U-20 World Cup final but fell short after a 1-0 loss to Argentina in the semifinals. Determined to finish strong, Torres’ men entered the third-place match focused and found success early on. Just two minutes into the game, Oscar Perea capitalized on a quick recovery in the attacking third to score what would stand as the only goal of the match.

France pushed hard in search of an equalizer, but Colombia’s backline remained resolute, shutting down every chance the French side created. With the victory, Colombia claim third place at the U-20 World Cup for the second time in their history, while France finish fourth, also repeating their 2011 result.

To help lift the spirits after their semifinal heartbreak, FIFA gave Colombia a major boost ahead of the clash with France. The organization cleared striker Neyser Villarreal — Colombia’s top scorer with five goals — to return for the third-place match after serving a suspension.

France and Morocco faced off in the first semifinal of the tournament. The contest went to a penalty shootout, where Morocco once again proved the progress that made them a standout team at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. They won 5-4 on penalties to reach the final.

The second semifinal was just as tight. Colombia fell 1-0 to Argentina after a goal from Mateo Silvetti with 18 minutes remaining in regulation time. One of the keys to the defeat was the absence of Villarreal, Colombia’s most influential player in the tournament — and that’s where FIFA’s late decision could make all the difference for the ‘Tricolor’.

What happens if Colombia tie vs France?

If the match ends level after 90 minutes, extra time will be played (two 15-minute halves). If the tie persists, a penalty shootout will determine which team takes third place on the podium.

What happens if Colombia win vs France?

If Colombia defeat France, they would claim third place at the U-20 World Cup — a remarkable milestone for the nation. It’s not every day that a team finishes among the top three on the global stage.

Colombia’s best-ever performance at a youth World Cup came in 2003, when Reinaldo Rueda’s squad finished third in the UAE, behind champions Brazil and runners-up Spain. A win over France would see the new generation match that historic achievement.

What happens if Colombia lose vs France?

If Colombia lose, France would secure third place, leaving Colombia in fourth and just outside the top three of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup — still an admirable finish, but short of the dream ending they were hoping for.

[Watch Colombia U20 vs France U20 online in the US on Peacock]

The battle for third place carries added significance this time, featuring two teams that have left their mark on the tournament and showcased the bright future of their nations. France showed remarkable resilience, rallying from a 1-0 deficit and holding on with ten men before falling in a penalty shootout.

Colombia delivered a spirited performance against Argentina but couldn’t break through after conceding the lone goal. Both sides have impressed throughout the competition, setting up an enticing matchup to close out their World Cup campaigns on a high note.

When will the Colombia U20 vs France U20 match be played?

Colombia U20 will take on France U20 on Saturday, October 18, for the 2025 U20 World Cup third place game. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 PM (ET).

Colombia U20 vs France U20: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:00 PM
CT: 2:00 PM
MT: 1:00 PM
PT: 12:00 PM

How to watch Colombia U20 vs France U20 in the USA

Don’t miss this exciting 2025 U20 World Cup match between Colombia U20 and France U20 in the USA. Watch the match on Peacock. Other options are: Amazon Prime Video and Telemundo.

Since its inception in 1977, the FIFA U-20 World Cup has been a proving ground for soccer’s rising stars. Each tournament tells a story of emerging talent, unforgettable matches and nations staking their claim on the global stage.

Some countries have dominated eras, while others have pulled off shocking upsets. Year by year, the list of winners reflects the shifting power, capturing moments that often forecast the sport’s future icons.

Tracking the winners across decades reveals patterns of excellence and fleeting brilliance alike. From breakthrough triumphs to repeated successes, the all-time list of champions paints a vivid picture of youth soccer’s evolving landscape.

Who is the reigning FIFA U-20 World Cup champion?

Morocco is the current champion of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having clinched their historic first title at the 2025 tournament held in Chile. Entering the final as underdogs, Morocco struck fast and lethally to deflate Argentina and cruise to an unforgettable 2-0 victory.

The Moroccans came out of the locker room determined to dictate the pace of the game in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final. It yielded results almost immediately, as Yassir Zabiri converted a threatening spot kick just inches outside the penalty box 12 minutes into the game. At the midway point of the first half, Zabiri made another appearance to cement his place as Argentina’s reaper. Off an efficient counterattack, Othmane Maamma delivered a cross to the goal scorer, who slotted it home for the decisive 2-0 lead.

Morocco was already acknowledged as an up-and-coming powerhouse in world soccer. However, the U-20 Atlas Lions’ conquest in Chile cemented their place as a force to be reckoned among the elite. Morocco hoisted Africa’s first FIFA U-20 World Cup since 2009, when Ghana was crowned in Cairo, Egypt.

While many believed Argentina would run away with yet another World Cup championship, Morocco showcased an unparalleled will to defy all odds and come out on top while playing over 6,000 miles away from the Kingdom of Light.

Which country has won the most FIFA U-20 World Cups?

When discussing dominance in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, one nation stands above all others: Argentina. The South American giants hold the unequivocal record for the most titles won, boasting an impressive six championships in the tournament’s history.

This exceptional record speaks to Argentina’s long-standing culture of nurturing young talent, a tradition that saw legends like Diego Maradona (1979) and Lionel Messi (2005) make their global breakthrough on the U-20 stage.

The core of their dominance came between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s under the guidance of coach Jose Nestor Pekerman, who led them to an incredible three titles in just four editions (1995, 1997 and 2001). Argentina added two more trophies in 2005 and 2007, often demonstrating a flair and tactical intelligence unmatched by their peers.

While their fierce continental rivals, Brazil, trail close behind with five titles, Argentina’s unmatched haul of six cements their status as the most successful nation in the competition’s four-decade history.

While coming in second is never a reason for jubilation in South America—especially when it comes to national soccer teams—Argentina has finished as runner-up twice (1983 and 2025), while Brazil has lost four finals (1991, 1995, 2009, and 2015). Reaching the decisive stages of the tournament further cements their place as hotbeds of world soccer talent.

FIFA U-20 World Cup champions all-time list by year

Minutes after sealing the ticket to the grand final, Messi posted a story on Instagram with a message: “Let’s go, to the final! Congratulations to everyone! Grande (Great) Mateo Silvetti,” accompanied by the Argentine flag and an applause emoji.

Silvetti has been a key piece for Argentina, especially with how he has managed his minutes on the field. Since the round of 16, he has come off the bench to score decisive winning goals.

His goal in the 72nd minute, following a brilliant play by Gianluca Prestianni, proved crucial. From that moment, Argentina controlled the pace of the match, frustrating Colombia, who even played with one man down. Argentina now faces a tough test against Morocco, a team that finished atop their group alongside Brazil, Spain, and Mexico.

When will the final between Argentina and Morocco take place?

The grand final will be played on Sunday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. ET at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos. Messi will surely follow closely, hoping that his country will lift the trophy.

Messi’s legacy with Argentina U20

During the 2005 U20 World Cup, Messi was the standout player, leading Argentina to the title in the category while winning both the top scorer and best player awards at the tournament in the Netherlands. He later claimed Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Games, both competitions with age restrictions.

Now, at 38 and with a senior World Cup title from Qatar 2022, Messi continues to support Argentina’s young talent, especially in a tournament where previous editions had denied them a shot at the final stages. In Chile 2025, they have the chance to win their seventh championship.