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Morocco's U20 team storms into World Cup knockout stage with Gessime Yassine shining

From underdog to knockout contender: Morocco's young lions roar in Chile. Gessime Yassine's brilliance and top-tier prep fuel their historic run.

The image shows a mural on the side of a building depicting two people playing soccer. The painting...
The image shows a mural on the side of a building depicting two people playing soccer. The painting is vibrant and colorful, with the two figures in the foreground and the wall in the background. The figures are painted in a realistic style, with detailed facial features and clothing. The colors used are bright and cheerful, creating a lively atmosphere.

Morocco's U20 team storms into World Cup knockout stage with Gessime Yassine shining

Morocco's U20 team has advanced to the round of 16 at the World Cup in Chile. Their success follows a strong run in recent African tournaments, including a U17 title in 2023 and a U20 final appearance in 2025. One standout player, Gessime Yassine, has caught the attention of fans and officials alike with his performances. The team's preparation has been supported by top-tier facilities at the Mohammed-VI complex in Sale. Inaugurated in 2019 at a cost of 60 million euros, the centre provides elite training conditions. Belgian technical director Chris Van Puyvelde guided the squad from July 2022 until August 2025, shaping their development.

Gessime Yassine, a rising talent from USL Dunkerque, has become a key figure in the tournament. Despite early rejections from youth academies, he has since played 50 matches in Ligue 2 and earned praise for his consistency. In Chile, he scored crucial doubles against Spain and Brazil in the group stage, helping secure Morocco's knockout spot. Demba Ba, delegate president of USL Dunkerque, has been vocal in his support for the Moroccan side. He highlighted Yassine's dedication to his country, technical skill, and knack for unsettling defenders. The team's coaching staff, featuring former international players, has further strengthened their campaign.

Morocco's U20 squad now looks ahead to the round of 16 with confidence. Their progress reflects years of investment in infrastructure and coaching. Yassine's performances, in particular, have reinforced his reputation as a player to watch in the coming years.

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