U20 World Cup: Morocco awaiting round of 16 opponent 

Morocco’s U20 side, already through to the last 16 of the World Cup after topping Group C, remain in suspense over who they will face next.

Despite a narrow 1-0 loss to Mexico on Saturday in Valparaiso, Chile, the Atlas Lions had secured first place in their group earlier in the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Brazil.

That result ensured early qualification for Mohamed Ouahbi’s team, who will now meet the third-placed side from either Group A or B — meaning a potential clash with South Korea or Egypt.

Such a meeting could set up a repeat of May’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, which Morocco won 1-0.

At present, the most likely scenario points towards South Korea.

The draw for the best third-placed teams hinges on complex permutations, but five out of six possible outcomes would see the Taegeuk Warriors lining up against Morocco in the next round.

Should this be confirmed, it would mark the first-ever encounter between Morocco and South Korea at a U20 World Cup.

Fourth in the previous edition, the South Koreans opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Ukraine — the side that beat them in the 2019 final — but have since recovered form.

After holding off a spirited Paraguayan team and later securing a vital 2-1 win over Panama, they booked their place in the knockout stages on Friday.

Coupe du monde U20 : première défaite pour le #Maroc #football https://t.co/65bPkDjvjv pic.twitter.com/LsrSPA7C1M

— Afrik-Foot (@afrikfoot) October 4, 2025

Morocco, meanwhile, will be eager to rebound from the setback against Mexico and prove their early dominance was no fluke.

Head coach Ouahbi and his players know that any lapse in concentration at this stage could cost them dearly.

The young Atlas Lions have shown composure and quality throughout the group phase, but the sudden-death nature of the round of 16 leaves no room for error.

As anticipation builds, the focus will be on how Gessime Yassine and his teammates prepare for what is likely to be a stern test against Asia’s rising force.

For Morocco, the next 90 minutes could define their entire tournament.