Who is Mohamed Ouahbi? The Coach who believed Africa could win and then went and did it

19.10.25 FT World Cup U-20

Argentina U20

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Morocco U20

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Morocco’s Atlas Cubs etched their name into football folklore on Sunday night defeating 6 time champions Argentina 2-0 to win the FIFA U20 World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history and only the second time African country has lifted the trophy after Ghana’s triumph in 2009.

A Dream Realised

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi was visibly emotional:

"I don’t consider myself the best coach I’m just the coach of the best team and the best staff. Our goal from the very beginning was to win the title and return home with the trophy. And that’s exactly what we did"

In deeply symbolic gesture, Ouahbi also thanked King Mohammed VI for his unwavering support of Moroccan football:

"I thank His Majesty King Mohammed VI for allowing us to live this dream. For years, we’ve been waiting to break this glass ceiling"

The monarch himself sent message of pride:

"Just as you brought joy to passionate football fans, you've filled us with happiness, along with the entire Moroccan people. Your confidence, cohesion and professionalism make this achievement one for the history books"

Mohamed Ouahbi: The man behind the miracle

This triumph is no accident. Since taking over Morocco’s U20 side in 2022, Ouahbi a UEFA Pro License coach with background in Belgium’s famed Anderlecht academy has reshaped the nation’s youth system with clear vision built on discipline, patience and values.

His coaching journey spans over two decades from nurturing talents in Brussels to guiding Moroccan prospects on the global stage. Under his leadership, the Atlas Cubs reached the U 20 Africa Cup of Nations final and now have gone one step further.

"we’ve built structure based on principles: no excuses, no blame, this's about more than football , it’s about identity, unity & showing the world what Morocco represents" Ouahbi told FIFA.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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Argentina U20

Morocco U20

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