U20 FIFA World Cup: Ouahbi credits Morocco players for USA victory

Morocco U-20 national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi has praised his players for their resilience to see off USA 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup at Estadio El Teniente on Sunday.

The North African’s fairytale campaign continued as they proved too strong for the USA in Rancagua. Morocco took a deserved lead when Fouad Zahouani tapped in a cross from Othmane Maamma before Cole Campbell converted from the penalty spot after Nolan Norris had been pulled down in the area by Ali Maamar.

USA 🆚 Morocco#U20WC pic.twitter.com/QHAS0kJHLP

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 12, 2025

Zahouani then scored for Morocco to make it 2-1 before Gessime Yassine made the game safe for the African side after capitalising on a defensive mix-up to fire home.

Morocco put in a great shift against USA

“We know we put in a great performance against a very strong team,” a delighted Ouahbi told FIFA.com at full-time. “We knew about the United States from the outset, we respected them a lot but we weren’t afraid, we knew that if we played our game and defended well, we would have a chance.”

He added: “We know very well that we can do damage to any team, because we’ve got quality players up front. And above all, what really makes the difference is that our defenders are very solid, and the attacking players also do the defensive work.

“So they went out there and earned this qualification. They’re in the process of writing their own story. This generation truly deserves it, because it’s an absolute pleasure to work with them.”

“Thank God, all our efforts were rewarded. We know very well that we are a team that knows how to defend, that knows how to suffer. We have players who are fighting for their country at such a young age, which is impressive.”

He concluded: “They know very well that they are not alone. They are supported and encouraged by an entire nation, by a King, and that gives them wings. God willing, we will continue. We won’t stop there.”

The Atlas Cubs will take on Norway or France in Valparaiso on Wednesday.