Shock: Losing to an African team, Brazil faces the risk of being eliminated in the World Cup group stage

The unexpected 1-2 loss to U20 Morocco has not only placed U20 Brazil in a challenging spot in the 2025 U20 World Cup group phase but also angered supporters and analysts directed at coach Ramon Menezes.

On the evening of October 2 in Santiago (Chile), U20 Morocco caused an upset by defeating U20 Brazil — a team that has won the youth world championship five times. After a balanced first half, at the 60th minute Othmane Maamma scored a stunning overhead kick to open the scoring. Just 16 minutes later, Yassir Zabiri doubled the lead with a precise outside-foot shot from a clever pass by Gessime Yassine.

Brazil only managed a consolation goal during stoppage time when captain Iago Teodoro successfully converted a penalty. This defeat marks the first time in history that Selecão has failed to win either of their first two group matches. U20 World Cup. Previously, they had disappointed by drawing 2-2 with Mexico.

While Brazil is engulfed in crisis, Morocco has already secured early qualification to the round of 16 with a perfect 6 points, having previously beaten U20 Spain as well. The impressive comeback of the Atlas Cubs after a 20-year absence fills all of Africa with pride. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed his excitement: “This is not just a victory, but a statement. We have proven that Morocco can compete with the strongest teams.”.

In contrast, Brazil’s coach Ramon Menezes has faced severe criticism. He admitted: “This result is truly painful. The match was decided by small details. We lost focus and were punished.”. However, for experts and fans, this explanation is not convincing enough.

According to Globo, Brazilian fans are losing confidence in Menezes — the coach who oversaw the U20 Brazil’s humiliating 0-6 loss to U20 Argentina earlier this year. The Brazilian Football Confederation’s decision to keep him as U20 head coach is seen as a mistake. Many believe the loss to Morocco is the last straw, as the young Selecão now faces the threat of elimination right in the group stage.

Current standings in Group C: Morocco leads with 6 points, Mexico has 2 points, Brazil only 1 point, and Spain is also competing fiercely. To keep their hopes alive, Brazil must beat U20 Spain in the final match and hope Morocco stops Mexico.

This shocking result is not only a huge boost for Morocco but also a wake-up call for Brazilian youth football — a place once known for producing legends but now suffering from a crisis of confidence and preparation. Without change, Brazil’s early exit from the tournament seems inevitable.

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