Morocco face South Korea in the Round 16 at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile in the early hours of Friday (00:00 GMT+1) at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua. A win will take Morocco to the quarter-finals, where they will face either the USA or Italy on October 12.
Match details
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- Date: Friday, 9 October
- Kick-off: 00:00 GMT+1
- Venue: Estadio El Teniente, Rancagua, Chile
- How to Watch: Arriyadia TNT, BeIN Sports MENA
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Lone survivors
- Nigeria were thrashed 4-0 by Argentina, while South Africa fell 3-1 to Colombia.
- Morocco now shoulder the hopes of an entire continent and region
The road so far
The Atlas Cubs impressed in the group stage with sharp, disciplined performances for their balance between structure and flair. Led by Yassine Gessime, Morocco are eyeing a place in the quarter-finals — a feat that would further cement their growing reputation at youth level.
Coach’s message: stay focused
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has urged his players to stay grounded and maintain the same energy that fuelled their group-stage success.
“The situation is different, but the stage is the same,” he said. “We can’t afford to drop our focus or intensity at this level. Discipline, passion, and teamwork must stay the same.”
“What I admire most about my players is their hunger — their desire to move, fight, and give everything. That spirit is the key to success.”
The task ahead
Facing a well-drilled South Korean side won’t be easy. The East Asians are known for their speed and tactical discipline — but Morocco’s mix of physicality, creativity, and relentless pressing gives them every chance.
Safest bets
- Both teams to score – No (expected to be tight)
- Under 2.5 total goals
- Morocco to win or draw
- Draw at half-time
