Morocco Aims to Build on World Cup Success with Youth and Experience

Morocco is approaching the FIFA World Cup draw in Washington on December 8, 2023, with renewed confidence, eager to demonstrate that their remarkable journey to the semi-finals in Qatar 2022 was not merely a stroke of luck. The Atlas Lions captured global attention by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four of a World Cup, eliminating both Spain and Portugal before succumbing to France.

Coach Walid Regragui, who orchestrated this historic achievement, emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum. “Qatar was not a miracle,” he stated in an interview with Moroccan state television. “It was the fruit of a long-term plan. At 2026, we want to go further. We have the talent, the mentality, and the experience.”

Strong Foundations in Youth and Experience

Morocco’s ambitions are grounded in a robust youth system and a squad filled with international talent. Achraf Hakimi, a regular in the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, leads a roster that includes prominent players such as Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat, and Youssef En-Nesyri. These athletes are currently competing at the highest levels in European football. Emerging stars like Abde Ezzalzouli and Bilal El Khannouss further enhance the team’s depth and dynamism.

Morocco’s youth programme has seen unprecedented success recently. Under the guidance of Coach Mohamed Wahbi, the under-20 team achieved a historic victory at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in October 2023, defeating Argentina 2-0 in the final. This win marked the first time an Arab nation has lifted the trophy. The under-17 squad also made headlines by reaching the quarter-finals of their World Cup, while the under-23 team claimed the Africa Cup of Nations title and secured a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they ultimately won bronze.

“The pressure is already there – all of Morocco wants the Africa Cup,” Wahbi told Al Arabiya TV, referring to the upcoming continental tournament on home soil. “Winning the youth World Cup won’t add pressure on Regragui; it will motivate him. Everyone sees Morocco today as a leader in African football, and that’s the result of a clear project.”

A Vision for the Future

Morocco’s football ambitions align with the nation’s broader goals on the global stage. The kingdom is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, highlighted the significance of this opportunity, stating, “Hosting 2030 is a responsibility and an opportunity. But first, 2026 is about proving that Morocco belongs among the elite.”

As Morocco prepares for the future, the focus remains on leveraging its past successes while fostering new talent. The nation is not only looking to compete but also to solidify its position in the world of football as a formidable force. The upcoming World Cup draw will serve as a pivotal moment for the Atlas Lions as they aim to showcase their growth and ambition on an international platform.