RABAT – Morocco made history at the 2022 World Cup, delivering the greatest performance ever by an African or Arab nation. But as the Atlas Lions prepare to take the global stage once again, their journey has been anything but quiet—marked by triumph, turbulence, and an unshakable belief that they can go even further.
In Qatar, Morocco stunned the world. They knocked out Spain on penalties, sent Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal home in the quarter-finals, and became the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal. Though they fell to France and lost the third-place playoff to Croatia, their run was nothing short of legendary—especially for a nation that had only reached the knockout stage once before, back in 1986.
Now, Morocco is no longer a surprise. Ranked 8th in the world—ahead of Germany and nestled between the Netherlands and Belgium—they carry new expectations. At home, fans are hungry for a more expansive, attacking style, moving beyond the defensive discipline that worked so well in 2022.
The man behind that Qatar miracle, Walid Regragui, stepped down in March, weeks after a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final loss to Senegal. With home advantage, Morocco were favorites, but heartbreak followed when Brahim Diaz missed a last-gasp penalty in Rabat. Senegal’s furious walk-off protest led to an extraordinary twist: the Confederation of African Football later stripped Senegal of the title and handed it to Morocco. Senegal is now challenging the decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport—but Morocco is focused forward.
Enter Mohamed Ouahbi, the new head coach. Born and raised in Brussels, Ouahbi was promoted after leading Morocco’s Under-20 team to a World Cup title last October. His message is bold and clear: “When you look at the image Morocco has around the world and the players we have, we can dream. I think we can go all the way and win a World Cup.”
And why not? The Atlas Lions boast a formidable squad led by Achraf Hakimi—Paris Saint-Germain’s brilliant right-back and reigning African Player of the Year. With stars like Brahim Diaz, Noussair Mazraoui, Bilal El Khannouss, and newly committed Ayoub Bouaddi (the Lille midfielder and former France U21 captain), Morocco blends European-born talent with homegrown skill from the acclaimed Mohammed VI Academy.
At this summer’s World Cup, Morocco opens with a mouth-watering clash against Brazil, followed by Scotland and Haiti. “This team is more experienced and more talented than four years ago,” says Moroccan football pundit Oussama Berraoui. “They have a real and serious chance.”
With the 2030 World Cup on the horizon—co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal—the nation is already building a 115,000-seat mega-stadium near Casablanca, dreaming of hosting the final. But first, the Lions want to feature in this final.
Despite the drama, the doubters, and the off-field storms, Morocco arrives in the United States with fire in their hearts and history in their sights. The world has been warned: the Atlas Lions are no longer just roaring—they’re hunting.
BY: The Times Union
