Morocco Drawn in Group B for 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations

Owing to their two victories over Niger and Tanzania, Morocco edged up 6.06 points to wrap up April’s ranking with 1694.24 points. Like Croatia, Morocco benefited from Uruguay and Colombia’s missteps, who both dropped two spots.

The Atlas Lions remain first place in Africa, ahead of Senegal, who dropped to 19th worldwide, with 1630.32 points.

Egypt, ranked 32nd globally, is third in Africa with 1518.79 points.
 

Here is the top ten FIFA worldwide ranking as of April 3, 2025:

1.    Argentina
    
2.    Spain (+1)
    
3.    France (-1)
    
4.    England
    
5.    Brazil
    
6.    Netherlands (+1)
    
7.    Portugal (-1)
    
8.    Belgium
    
9.    Italy
    
10.    Germany

Morocco (12th, +2) and Croatia (11th, +2) are closing in on the top 10.

The Spanish media on Wednesday highlighted Real Madrid striker Brahim Díaz and Real Sociedad defender Nayef Aguerd as the key architects of Morocco’s 2-0 victory over Tanzania in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Marca reported that Morocco continued its impressive run with another win over Tanzania, casting light on the decisive role played by Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Díaz, who scored the second goal for the Atlas Lions in this match.

In an article titled “A goal from Brahim Díaz seals another victory for Morocco,” the newspaper praised Díaz’s “spectacular performances” with the national team, noting that he has scored eight goals and provided two assists in 10 matches.

Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo highlighted the brilliant performance of Nayef Aguerd, who, in addition to his solid defensive work, also made an impact offensively by scoring the first goal of the match.

Nayef Aguerd’s contribution was crucial in securing another victory for Morocco, bringing the Atlas Lions closer to the 2026 World Cup, showcasing his importance in coach Walid Regragui’s setup, the publication added.

With a solid and balanced defensive line, the Moroccan team continues to assert its dominance in the qualification phase, stacking up victories that have placed them in an undisputed leadership position in their group, the newspaper concluded.

 The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled on Wednesday the new trophy and logo for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U17, scheduled to take place from March 30 to April 19 in Morocco.

The launch marks a key moment in the celebration of the beginning of the journey of the young African football talents who will be taking part in this prestigious tournament, CAF says in a press release published on its website.

The concept of the new trophy is “Journey Begins”, and embodies the ambition, growth and early steps towards a “legendary” future for these players, CAF explains.

It features a road-shaped structure symbolizing the player’s path, integrated with the map of Africa, echoing the continent’s pride and unity, the same source adds.

As for the logo design, it mirrors the shape of the new AFCON U17 trophy, including its base which illustrates the structure, guidance and support provided by CAF and underlines its pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of African football stars.

A path shaped by passion, with a new identity and renewed energy, the African football body concludes.

The AFCON U17 – Morocco 2025 will also serve as a qualifying tournament for the World Cup. Africa will be represented by ten teams at this newly expanded edition, to be held in Qatar later this year.

The Moroccan national football team claimed a 2-0 win over Tanzania in their sixth match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, played on Tuesday night at the Honor Stadium in Oujda.

Goals from Nayef Aguerd (51’) and Brahim Diaz (58’, p.) sealed the victory for the Atlas Lions, who further strengthened their position at the top of Group E. With 15 points, Morocco took a significant step toward securing a third consecutive World Cup qualification.

Meanwhile, Niger and Tanzania remain tied in second place with six points each.

The Atlas Lions achieved a crucial comeback on Friday at Oujda’s Honor Stadium, edging past Niger (2-1) in the 5th matchday of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After a goalless first half, Niger dealt the first blow through Youssouf Oumarou (47’), but Morocco’s Ismael Saibari leveled the score in the 59th minute before Bilal El Khannous sealed the win in stoppage time (90+1’), securing the team’s fourth victory in as many games.

With this result, Morocco takes another step towards qualification, securing its position at the top of Group E with 12 points, while Niger and Tanzania trail behind with six points each. Zambia sits at the bottom with three points.

Next up for Walid Regragui’s squad is a showdown against Tanzania on Tuesday in Oujda (9:30 PM local time).

The Atlas Lions achieved a crucial comeback on Friday at Oujda’s Honor Stadium, edging past Niger (2-1) in the 5th matchday of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After a goalless first half, Niger dealt the first blow through Youssouf Oumarou (47’), but Morocco’s Ismael Saibari leveled the score in the 59th minute before Bilal El Khannous sealed the win in stoppage time (90+1’), securing the team’s fourth victory in as many games.

With this result, Morocco takes another step towards qualification, securing its position at the top of Group E with 12 points, while Niger and Tanzania trail behind with six points each. Zambia sits at the bottom with three points.

Next up for Walid Regragui’s squad is a showdown against Tanzania on Tuesday in Oujda (9:30 PM local time).