Mexico U-20 Beats Morocco to Secure Round of 16 Spot at U-20 World Cup

Mexico’s U‑20 team secured a crucial 1–0 victory over Morocco in their final Group C match to punch their ticket to the Round of 16 as the group’s runner‑up.

The game remained tight through the first half, with both sides cautious in attack. Morocco, already assured of their place in the knockout stage, rotated several starters.  Mexico pushed for an opening, pressing in wide zones and testing defensive gaps. 

The decisive moment came in the 51st minute when Morocco’s defender Anas Tajaouart handled the ball inside the area under pressure from Obed Vargas. After a VAR review confirmed the infraction, the referee awarded a penalty. Gilberto Mora stepped up and calmly sent the keeper the wrong way to put Mexico ahead. 

Shortly after the game came to a stop when Mexican forward Mateo Levy suffered a head collision following an aerial duel. He was stretchered off and did not return, raising concern about his condition. 

In the remaining minutes, Morocco pressed for an equalizer but failed to break through Mexico’s defense as they held firm, absorbing pressure and limiting clear chances. The visitors recorded few attempts on goal and relied on long throws and crosses, but were unable to convert. 

Mexico had a slight edge in possession and pass accuracy, controlling the flow of the match after taking the lead.   Morocco’s head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, acknowledged that Mexico deserved the win, noting that his side “did not create many chances” and that the match was often decided in duels and second balls. 

With this result, Morocco still tops Group C with 6 points, while Mexico joins them in advancing ahead of Spain and Brazil, the latter eliminated at the group stage for the first time.   Mexico will now face Chile in the Round of 16, a matchup that promises an intense test, especially on Chile’s home soil.