Santiago: The Chilean capital is already infused with Moroccan emotion. Hundreds of fans are arriving from Casablanca after more than twelve hours of travel, aboard two full flights. All are ready to cheer on the Atlas Cubs in the U20 World Cup final tonight against Argentina.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, at Arturo Merino Benítez Airport, fatigue quickly gives way to the joyful noise of arrivals. “Go Morocco!’ chant the supporters, flags draped over their shoulders, faces painted, voices already hoarse. The atmosphere is electric.
“This final will be historic. We have great players, passionate and determined, even against a tough Argentine side,” says Salaheddine, 25, from Salé, his eyes red but shining with emotion.
“But no matter the fatigue, we’re ready to travel the world. What matters is bringing home that trophy-for the pride of all Moroccans, and especially for His Majesty the King,” Youssef tells MAP, his voice trembling with emotion.
In the streets around the stadium, a red and green
tide spreads out. Drums and songs, Moroccans stand out for their contagious enthusiasm. A group of young fans bursts into the refrain of “Hala Hala,” now the unofficial anthem of the national team.
“We want the players to feel they’re not alone, that all of Morocco is behind them,” says Brahim, who came with his group of friends to support coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad.
At the residence of Morocco’s ambassador in Santiago, emotion fills the air. Ambassador Kenza El Ghali warmly welcomes hundreds of guests, offering everyone a chance to rest and recharge before heading to the stadium.
Among the crowd, one figure stands out: Dolmy, with long curly hair framing his face and a distinctive style that draws admiring glances. This tireless supporter has crossed three continents to be here. More than twenty hours of travel, yet his energy remains undiminished.
Conversations flow, filled with memories of past football journeys and fan adventures. Yet everyone senses that this time is different. “It’s an exceptional
generation, a youth that believes in itself, that plays with both heart and mind,” remarks one of the diplomats present.
Behind the smiles and composure, a quiet conviction seems to unite them all: this time, Morocco truly has what it takes to win.
Moving through the crowd, Kenza El Ghali chats with guests, smiling and inviting them to eat, reminding everyone that this is a unique, historic moment, one that will be remembered for years to come.
“We feel all the warmth of Moroccans who came from so far to support our national team. They carry our hopes, and we pray they return home with the joy of a trophy in their hands,” says the ambassador.
As the hours go by, tension mounts, chants grow louder, and flags snap in the wind. For many, this final is the culmination of a collective dream. The Atlas Cubs have had a flawless run: Spain, Brazil, France, all defeated by a team that inspires and astonishes.
Beyond football, the massive Moroccan presence in Santiago reveals a deep, visceral love for the homeland
. For these fans, football has become a mirror of unity and pride. After the historic 2022 World Cup semifinal and the 2024 Olympic bronze, this U20 generation embodies a new momentum, of a confident, ambitious Morocco that now dreams of lifting a world trophy.
Tonight, in the stands of the Julio Martínez Prádanos Stadium, Moroccan chants will likely bridge the distance between Rabat and Santiago. For these supporters from every corner of the world, the love of football knows neither borders nor time zones, it only takes a flag, a ball, and a shared dream carried by a nation on the march toward history.