World Cup Festival: Morocco U15 reach second round after five consecutive wins

Morocco’s under-15 national team have qualified for the second round of the World Cup after winning all five of their opening matches, with a 5-1 victory over Liberia completing an unbeaten first-round campaign.

The young Atlas Lions secured qualification on Monday, building on earlier victories against the Philippines, Costa Rica, Belize and Curaçao.

Saïd Noufii scored a hat-trick inside the opening 10 minutes against Liberia, while Mohamed Amine El Abbassi and Yassine Ajana also found the net as Morocco maintained their impressive attacking form.

Noufii hat-trick sets the tone

Morocco made a commanding start against Liberia, with Noufii scoring in the fourth, sixth and 10th minutes to put his side firmly in control.

El Abbassi extended the lead in the 16th minute before Ajana added the fifth goal in the 39th minute, giving Morocco a comfortable advantage before half-time.

The five-goal performance ensured the North African side finished the opening round with five consecutive victories and secured their place in the next stage.

Morocco build on youth football success

The qualification provides Morocco’s young players with another opportunity to test themselves against international opposition in a tournament involving 191 national teams.

Their progress also comes after Morocco’s success at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2025, when the team coached by Mohamed Ouahbi defeated Argentina 2-0 in the final to lift the trophy.

That achievement provides a notable backdrop to the U15 side’s campaign as they seek to continue the country’s progress in international youth football.

Atlas Lions target continued progress

Morocco will now look to carry their scoring form and winning momentum into the second round as the competition advances.

Having won all five opening matches, the young Atlas Lions will aim to maintain their attacking threat and extend their run in the tournament.