2025 FIFA U20 World Cup: Morocco to face South Korea in Round of 16

Morocco have set up a clash with South Korea at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup after finishing top of Group C.

Morocco suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mexico in their final group match on Saturday night, but still managed to finish top of their group with six points, following earlier victories over Spain and Brazil.

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi admitted he was frustrated by his team’s performance, explaining that he deliberately tried to put pressure on his players to keep them focused despite already securing qualification to the next round.

“I was angry because I wanted to put a bit of pressure on the players so they would wake up. I don’t really like approaching matches where we’re already qualified, when there is nothing at stake,” he said.

The Moroccan coach also expressed disappointment with the referee’s timekeeping, questioning why only five minutes were added despite multiple interruptions.

“There were only five minutes of stoppage time. I found that too little. When you come from a match like the one against Brazil, where you get 10 minutes, then they add another minute to make 11…. Here, there were two VAR checks, several stoppages, and balls going out to waste time. And yet only five minutes were added, and the referee stopped the game right at five. I found that unfair. It irritated me a bit, but fine, it’s not the end of the world,” Ouahbi said.

Looking ahead, Mohamed Ouahbi stressed the importance of preparing for their next challenge against South Korea in the Round of 16. He hopes his team secures another victory to advance to the quarter-final to get closer to the ultimate prize.

“We’ll have to do the job and prepare well because it’s going to be a very tough game,” he concluded.