Crown Prince Honours Morocco’s U-20 Team After Historic FIFA World Cup Victory

Morocco’s U-20 national football team has been given a royal reception following their remarkable victory at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile; a historic feat that has ignited celebrations across the North African nation.

In a grand ceremony held on Wednesday in Rabat, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presided over the royal event on the instructions of King Mohammed VI. The ceremony was a fitting tribute to the young Atlas Cubs who made history by clinching the prestigious world title; the first by any Moroccan or North African side at the U-20 level.

Upon arrival at the royal palace, the Crown Prince was received by the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, who led the delegation comprising players, coaches, and technical staff. The event was attended by top government officials, sports dignitaries, and family members of the players who were lauded for their resilience and commitment to national pride.

During the ceremony, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan conveyed the personal congratulations of King Mohammed VI to the entire team, emphasizing the monarch’s pride in their outstanding performance and dedication. The King, through his message, highlighted that their victory not only elevates Moroccan football on the global stage but also represents the spirit of discipline, patriotism, and perseverance that defines the nation’s youth.

Each member of the team was individually congratulated and presented with royal gifts and medals in recognition of their contribution to Morocco’s football success. The royal palace described the ceremony as “a celebration of excellence and national pride,” adding that the young stars have “carried the hopes and dreams of an entire continent.”

The event was marked by moments of joy and reflection, with the players expressing their gratitude to the King and the Moroccan people for their unwavering support throughout the tournament. Team captain Youssef Bouzaid, speaking on behalf of the squad, said, “This is an unforgettable moment for us. We played for Morocco, for Africa, and for our families. To be received by His Royal Highness is a dream come true.”

Morocco’s triumph at the U-20 World Cup has been hailed as a continuation of the nation’s golden era in football. The Atlas Lions’ senior team’s performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African country to reach the semifinals, inspired the younger generation to dream bigger. The U-20 side’s victory is seen as the culmination of years of investment in youth development, infrastructure, and talent scouting led by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

Under the leadership of coach Hicham Dmii, the team displayed tactical maturity and attacking brilliance throughout the tournament. They defeated Brazil in the quarterfinals, edged past Argentina in a tense semifinal, and secured the title with a thrilling 2–1 victory over France in the final, a result that stunned the football world.

Analysts say the win cements Morocco’s place as a rising football powerhouse, setting a new benchmark for African teams in global competitions. Sports pundit Karim Benjelloun described the victory as “a signal that Morocco’s football revolution is paying off.” He added, “What we are seeing is the result of consistent planning, government support, and a vision that links sports success to national pride.”

The royal celebration also showcased Morocco’s growing ambition to position itself as a central hub for sports excellence in Africa. In recent years, the country has hosted several major tournaments and invested heavily in world-class stadiums and training centers, such as the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé — one of the most advanced in the continent.

Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan’s presence at the ceremony underlined the royal family’s continued commitment to nurturing youth talent and supporting sports as a unifying force in national development. His engagement with the players and technical staff was seen as a symbolic gesture of generational continuity and encouragement for young Moroccans striving for greatness.

The young team’s victory has sparked nationwide celebrations, with fans pouring into the streets of Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier, and Fez, waving flags and singing patriotic songs. Social media platforms have been flooded with congratulatory messages under hashtags like #AtlasCubsChampions and #PrideOfMorocco, with many calling the win a “divine reward for hard work.”

In the aftermath of their World Cup glory, the Moroccan government has announced plans to host a national parade in Casablanca next week to further celebrate the team’s achievement. The Ministry of Youth and Sports also pledged continued investment in grassroots programs to sustain the country’s football momentum.

As Morocco basks in the glory of this historic victory, the U-20 squad’s achievement is expected to serve as an inspiration for the next generation of African footballers, reminding them that with vision, discipline, and determination, the dream of global success is well within reach.

Morocco Crowned U-20 World Champions for the First Time