A perfect run in the group of death
Qualification is already secured after just two matches. Placed in the daunting Group C, nicknamed the “group of death,” Morocco’s national U20 team under Mohamed Ouahbi has impressed. The Lion Cubs first defeated Spain (2-0) before toppling Brazil (2-1). Their final match will be against Mexico, but the job is already done: with two victories, Morocco is guaranteed to finish top.
Behind them, Mexico sit on two points, while Brazil and Spain have just one each. A Mexican victory on the final matchday would therefore eliminate two giants of world football — a scenario as surprising as it is historic.
Read also: Historic achievement: Morocco defeat Brazil and qualify for the U20 World Cup second round!
Humility despite the achievement
After these performances, Mohamed Ouahbi stressed the importance of staying focused:
“We know the upcoming matches will be difficult, because we know these teams. Japan, the USA, Argentina, Ukraine, and South Korea are all very strong. But we are prepared. Mentally, we believe in ourselves while remaining humble. We have to enjoy this moment, but keep moving forward, incha’Allah.”
Read also: Mohamed Ouahbi: “Happy and Confident, but Humble”
In the Round of 16 against the best third-place team (3ABF)
By finishing top of their group, Morocco will face in the Round of 16 the best third-placed team from Groups A, B, or F. This system (referred to as “3ABF”) allows one of the best third-place finishers to be brought back into the knockout bracket.
Group A (2 matches played)
- Japan: 6 pts
- Chile: 3 pts
- New Zealand: 3 pts
- Egypt: 0 pts
Likely third-place finishers: Chile or New Zealand.
Group B (2 matches played)
- Ukraine: 4 pts
- Paraguay: 4 pts
- Panama: 1 pt
- South Korea: 1 pt
Likely third-place finishers: Panama or South Korea (though Ukraine or Paraguay could still slip into third place if results go against them).
Group F (1 match played)
- Colombia: 3 pts
- Norway: 3 pts
- Saudi Arabia: 0 pts
- Nigeria: 0 pts
Standings still wide open: Saudi Arabia and Nigeria could bounce back, but Norway or Colombia might also end up finishing third.
A World Cup dream built step by step
With six points and an impressive display, Morocco already stands out as one of the revelations of the tournament. With their ticket to the Round of 16 secured, they can now aim for an ambitious run. However, their future opponents know what to expect: after defeating both Spain and Brazil, the Lion Cubs will never be underestimated again.
