Rabat – The Morocco U20 team is feeling prepared and focused for the South Korea game in the Round of 16. The match will be at midnight (GMT +1, 19h00 local) on Thursday Oct. 9 2025 at the El Teniente Stadium in Rancagua, 86 km south of Santiago, Chile.
Morocco qualified for the knockout stage after finishing first in Group C, despite losing 1–0 to Mexico in their last group match. South Korea qualified for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams. Now both teams need to win to go to the quarter-finals
The team seems to be ready to rise to the occasion in this match. Goalkeeper Hakim Mesbahi said that Morocco has already studied their opponent well in order to be ready to fight for a good result, and Midfielder Anas Tajouart stated that the team “certainly will not underestimate Korea in any way.”
منتخبنا المغربي للشباب أمام فرصة بلوغ ربع نهائي المونديال عندما يواجه كوريا الجنوبية منتصف الليل 🇲🇦🇰🇷
All Eyes on Morocco U20 as They Chase a Quarterfinal Ticket Against South Korea Tonight 🇲🇦🇰🇷 #U20WC pic.twitter.com/1gULkU15fC
— Niya Maghribia (@Niyamaghribia) October 9, 2025
Ouahbi: “We fear no one, but respect every team”
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi said on Wednesday that his players are fully determined and concentrated for the match.
“The Atlas Lion Cubs will play this Round of 16 match against Korea with great determination and concentration,” he told reporters after the final training session. “We fear no opponent but respect every team.”
Ouahbi acknowledged that Korea will be a tough opponent – mentioning their discipline, mobility and technical control, especially in set pieces. He pointed out that Korea have been doing well in the U20 World Cup in recent editions (semifinals and final) as “extra motivation” for Morocco.
The coach also warned his players that knockout football is very different from the group stage, saying “even the smallest detail can make the difference.” He asked the team to stay focused and keep the unity that has brought them this far.
The Morocco U20 has shown its potential with its good performances against Spain and Brazil. Korea’s tactical discipline and strength in set pieces will make this a tough and balanced match.
But history might be happening tonight at the El Teniente Stadium in Rancagua at midnight Moroccan time.
