U20 WU20 World Cup: Morocco unchanged for clash with Brazil

Morocco have named an unchanged starting line-up for their second match of the U20 World Cup against Brazil, which kicks off at 23:00 GMT at the Julio Martínez Prádanos National Stadium.

The Atlas Lions, who currently top Group A with three points, are the only side in the section to have won their opening fixture.

Victory tonight would guarantee Mohamed Ouahbi’s team a place in the last 16, underlining their strong start to the tournament.

Morocco’s performance on matchday one combined collective organisation with technical quality and defensive composure — attributes they will look to reproduce against a Brazil side under pressure after a disappointing start.

The Lionceaux’s disciplined approach and ability to capitalise on key moments proved decisive in their first outing and remain their main weapons against the five-time world champions.

Coach Ouahbi has opted for continuity, keeping faith with the same players who secured the opening win over Spain.

Benchaouch retains his place in goal, while captain Essadak again marshals the defence.

Goal scorers from the first matchday, Zabiri and Gessime, also keep their starting roles as Morocco look to build on their momentum.

The full Moroccan line-up to face Brazil is as follows: Benchaouch (goalkeeper); Maamar, Baouf, Maamma, Essadak (captain); El Haddad, Zahouani, Gessime, Khalifi, Bakhty, Zabiri.

By maintaining the same eleven, Ouahbi signals his confidence in a group that has already shown resilience and cohesion on the international stage.

The decision also reflects Morocco’s tactical plan to blend compact defending with quick, incisive transitions — a formula that proved effective in neutralising Spain’s attack.

Brazil, meanwhile, will be looking to respond to early setbacks in the group and reassert their status as tournament contenders.

Morocco’s challenge will be to withstand the expected pressure while exploiting spaces on the counter-attack.

With the group finely poised, the stakes for the Atlas Lions are clear: a win would secure passage to the knockout phase with a game to spare, while another disciplined performance could cement their reputation as one of the competition’s emerging forces. All eyes now turn to the Julio Martínez Prádanos National Stadium as Morocco aim to take a decisive step towards the last 16.

📝 تشكيلة منتخبنا الوطني أمام البرازيل

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐗𝐈 for the match against Brazil #DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/l7P3r50TKj

— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) October 1, 2025