Ali Maamar
Academie Mohammed VI
Captain of the back line whose aerial dominance and anticipation shut down elite South American attacks in Santiago.
FIFA U-20 World Cup Champions 2025
Atlas Cubs: Morocco's World-Beating U-20 Generation
In Santiago, Chile the Atlas Cubs lifted Morocco's first-ever FIFA youth world title with a commanding 2–0 victory over Argentina. Built on years of investment at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, this U-20 side blends relentless intensity with world-class technique and a belief forged across Morocco's academies and European pathways.
Names to Watch
Gessime Yassine
Chabab Houara
Impact forward with power and poise, stretching defences and providing clutch goals throughout the knockout rounds.
Yassir Zabiri
RS Berkane U-20
Multi-functional attacker combining clever movement with pressing triggers that spark Morocco's transition game.
Othmane Maamma
Botola Select XI
Explosive winger whose left-footed delivery dismantled Argentina's full-backs and set up the final's opener.
Naim Byar
Academie Mohammed VI
Box-to-box heartbeat covering every blade, recycling possession and breaking lines with progressive passing.
Saad El Haddad
KACM Marrakesh
Creative No. 10 dictating tempo between the lines, leading the squad in chances created at the World Cup.
Smail Bakhty
FUS Rabat Youth
Defensive enforcer whose positioning and recovery pace neutralised the tournament's top strikers.
Yanis Benchaouch
Raja CA (Morocco)
Golden Glove winner commanding his box and launching attacks with laser-accurate distribution.
Championship Squad
Every Atlas Cub contributes to the collective: secure hands in goal, a disciplined back line, a midfield that dictates tempo, and ruthless finishers in the final third. Explore the full roster below.
Goalkeepers
#1 · Yanis Benchaouch
Goalkeeper
Raja CA (Morocco)
#12 · Ibrahim Gomis
Goalkeeper
Academie Mohammed VI
#16 · Abdelhakim Mesbahi
Goalkeeper
ASFAR U-21
Defenders
#2 · Ilyass Mahsoub
Defender
Renaissance Berkane
#3 · Ali Maamar
Defender
Academie Mohammed VI
#4 · Ismael Baouf
Defender
Olympique Khouribga
#15 · Fouad Zahouani
Defender
Wydad AC Youth
#19 · Smail Bakhty
Defender
FUS Rabat Youth
#20 · Mohammed Kebdani
Defender
Union Touarga
Midfielders
#5 · Anas Tajaouart
Midfielder
Chabab Mohammedia
#6 · Naim Byar
Midfielder
Academie Mohammed VI
#8 · Houssam Essadak
Midfielder
Botola All-Stars U-20
#10 · Saad El Haddad
Midfielder
KACM Marrakesh
#18 · Yassine Khalifi
Midfielder
Union Touarga
Forwards
#7 · Othmane Maamma
Forward
Botola Select XI
#9 · Younes Elbahraoui
Forward
Academie Mohammed VI
#11 · Ilias Boumassaoudi
Forward
Wydad AC Youth
#13 · Taha Majni
Forward
ASFAR U-20
#14 · Mohamed Hamony
Forward
Olympique Safi
#17 · Gessime Yassine
Forward
Chabab Houara
#21 · Yassir Zabiri
Forward
RS Berkane U-20
Technical Staff
Mohamed Ouahbi
Morocco U-20 Head Coach
Architect of the Atlas Cubs' pressing identity and development culture, ensuring every international window prepares players for senior honours.
Pathway to Glory
Mohammed VI Football Complex
Morocco's flagship training base delivers elite sports science, analytics, and tailored education for every youth call-up. The U-20 squad trains alongside Olympic and senior teams to mirror tactical and physical standards.
Scouting Across Continents
Talent identification blends the Botola academies with Moroccan diaspora across Europe. Collaborative data platforms track minutes, GPS metrics, and progression for each dual-national rising through club systems.
From Santiago to 2030
The Atlas Cubs' success accelerates Morocco's journey toward co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Graduates are already feeding into the U-23 Olympic champions and senior Atlas Lions squads.