Morocco will enter Friday’s FIFA World Cup draw in Washington with renewed confidence and a sense of purpose, buoyed by their groundbreaking performance at Qatar 2022 and determined to show that their ascent in world football is no fluke.
The Atlas Lions shocked the globe three years ago when they became the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup, defeating powerhouses Spain and Portugal before narrowly losing to France. Now, coach Walid Regragui believes Morocco are ready to push even further.
“Qatar was not a miracle,” Regragui told Moroccan state television ahead of the draw. “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.”
That confidence is rooted in two key strengths: a flourishing youth development programme and a senior squad brimming with elite talent. Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi leads a team that includes Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat and Youssef En-Nesyri — all established performers in Europe’s top leagues. Emerging talents like Abde Ezzalzouli and Bilal El Khannouss offer additional energy and creativity.
Morocco’s youth system has produced remarkable results in recent years. In October, coach Mohamed Wahbi guided the under-20 team to an unprecedented FIFA U-20 World Cup title, defeating Argentina 2–0 in the final to become the first Arab nation to lift the trophy. The under-17s reached the quarter-finals of their World Cup, while the under-23 side won the Africa Cup of Nations and went on to claim bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“The pressure is already there — all of Morocco wants the Africa Cup,” Wahbi told Al Arabiya TV. “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.”
Beyond their competitive ambitions, Morocco’s football project aligns with the kingdom’s global vision. The country will co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, a milestone that reflects its growing influence in international sport.
“Hosting 2030 is a responsibility and an opportunity,” said Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. “But first, 2026 is about proving that Morocco belongs among the elite.”
As the draw approaches, Morocco stands ready — not as underdogs, but as genuine contenders eager to write the next chapter of a remarkable football journey.
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