In a historic triumph at the U20 World Cup, Morocco's Atlas Cubs defeated Argentina 2-0, igniting a storm of controversy among Argentine fans over the passionate support Morocco received from the Chilean crowd. The final, held in Santiago, saw a vibrant display of solidarity between Chilean and Moroccan fans, leaving Argentine supporters fuming over perceived hostility and bias. The final match of the Under-20 World Cup, held late Sunday night, October 19, at the Julio Martínez Prádanos National Stadium in Santiago, sparked a wave of controversy across social media in Argentina. Many Argentine fans expressed anger over the overwhelming support Morocco received from the Chilean crowd during the historic final, which saw the Atlas Cubs defeat Argentina 2–0 to claim their first-ever U20 World Cup title. Although the match took place on neutral ground, the stands became a sea of red, filled with Moroccan flags, cheers, and Chilean fans backing the North African team. According to Chilean radio ADN Radio, enthusiasm remained high despite Chile's absence from the final. From early morning, fans began arriving at the stadium, which had sold out days earlier. The audience was dominated by red jerseys, from both Chile's national team and clubs such as Universidad de Chile and Colo Colo, signaling open support for Morocco. As the match began, Chilean spectators joined Moroccan fans in chanting, «Unidos, Chile y Marruecos!» (United, Chile and Morocco). The Chilean outlet PrensaFútbol reported that 43,253 fans attended the match, the third-largest U20 World Cup final crowd this century, after Brazil–Spain (2003, 55,000 spectators) and Brazil–Ghana (2009, 67,814). Boos and Support for Morocco Argentine media reacted furiously. MDZOL described the pre-match atmosphere as «an extremely embarrassing scene from Chilean fans», noting that when the Argentine national anthem was played, loud boos erupted throughout the stadium and were clearly audible on the live broadcast. The jeers intensified toward the end of the anthem, particularly as Argentine captain Julio Soler tried to motivate his teammates. According to the same outlet, every Argentine attack during the game was met with whistles and boos from both Moroccan and Chilean fans. Even set-pieces and protests against Italian referee Maurizio Mariani drew negative reactions, especially after defender Santino Barbi's early mistake led to Morocco's opening goal. The Chilean site Bolavip noted «many complaints» about the home crowd's backing of Morocco «instead of their Argentine brothers». Argentine sports commentator Lola Del Caril voiced frustration, saying: «It's unbelievable how everyone wants Argentina to lose. The narrative is always that we get help, but the opposite keeps happening». Further fueling outrage, Chilean international Arturo Vidal celebrated Morocco's second goal on Instagram, sharing a photo of his TV screen as Yassir Zabiri scored, along with emojis of applause, the Moroccan flag, and a heart-eyed face, a gesture that La Gaceta said Argentines saw as a «provocation». Argentine fans flooded social media with angry posts: «When you feel like a failure, remember there are Chileans who paid money just to boo Argentina», one user wrote, while another added, «How sad to be Chilean». Others lamented that Argentina «played surrounded only by Moroccan chants». Chilean Press Celebrates the Atlas Cubs Meanwhile, Chilean outlets praised the Moroccan team and highlighted their gratitude toward the Chilean supporters. Tournament MVP Othman Maama was quoted saying, «I am so happy… This is the most beautiful country in the world. Thank you to the Chilean fans, it truly is a wonderful country». Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi echoed this appreciation: «From day one, the Chilean crowd was with us. Even at the hotel, they treated us with warmth and kindness. The only thing I can wish for them is to qualify for the 2030 World Cup and if they play in Morocco, I'm sure the stadium will be packed with Moroccans cheering for them». With this victory, Morocco joins the elite group of nations crowned U20 World Cup champions. Argentina remains the most successful side in the tournament's history, with six titles, followed by Brazil with five.
