FIFA Looks Back on Atlas Lions’ World Cup Performance

2023-12-14

Geneva – The International Association Football Federation (FIFA) has looked back on the Atlas Lions’ extraordinary adventure at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In a report published on its website, FIFA celebrated the achievements of the Moroccan national team, which left the World Cup with honor after losing to France in the semi-finals on December 14, 2022.

The report features a picture symbolizing the sportsmanship of French football player Kylian Mbappé with Moroccan stars Achraf Hakimi and Sofiane Boufal in the dressing room corridor after the game, which ended with a 2-0 victory for the French team.

It also features video excerpts and photos immortalizing the frenzied atmosphere and the moments of joy within the stadiums that have hosted the national team’s games.

“Croatia, Belgium, Canada, Spain, Portugal… All folded, or even collapsed, against the Atlas Lions hungry for glory and history in Qatar 2022,” writes FIFA, looking back on Walid Regragui’s men’s “epic” semi-final against France.

“The Moroccans had nothing to be ashamed of in their performance – far from it,” the world football authority said.

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2026 World Cup Preparation: Morocco Defeats Madagascar in Friendly (4-0)

The Moroccan national team defeated its Malagasy counterpart 4-0 in a friendly match preparing for the 2026 World Cup, played on Tuesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The Atlas Lions’ goals were scored by Ismaël Saibari, who netted a brace (4th, 25th minutes), and Soufiane Rahimi from the penalty spot (78th minute), before Ayoub El Kaabi sealed Morocco’s victory in the 87th minute, scoring the fourth goal.

Morocco’s Head Coach Reveals Squad List Ahead of 2030 World Cup

National team coach Mohamed Ouahbi unveiled on Tuesday a list of 26 players and 3 reserves selected ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Morocco will compete in Group C of the World Cup alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.

Below is the list of the called-up players:

Goalkeepers:

– Yassine Bounou

– Munir El Kajoui

– Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti

Defenders:

– Noussair Mazraoui

– Anas Salah-Eddine

– Youssef Bellammari

– Achraf Hakimi

– Zakaria El Ouahdi

– Nayef Aguerd

– Chadi Riad

– Redouane Halhal

– Issa Diop

Midfielders:

– Samir El Mourabet

– Ayyoub Bouaddi

– Neil El Aynaoui

– Sofyan Amrabat

– Azzedine Ounahi

– Bilal El Khannouss

– Ismaël Saibari

Forwards:

– Abdesamad Ezzalzouli

– Chemsdine Talbi

– Soufiane Rahimi

– Ayoub El Kaabi

– Brahim Diaz

– Yassine Gessim

– Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab

Reserves:

– El Mehdi Al Harrar

– Amine Sbai

– Marwane Saadane.

AFCON U17 (Morocco-2026): Senegal Advances to Finals

The Senegalese national team qualified for the final of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco 2026) after defeating their Moroccan counterparts 7-6 in a penalty shootout (1-1 in regulation time) on Thursday at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

Senegal’s goal was scored by Mouhamed Wagner (23′), before Ismail El Aoud equalized for the Atlas Lions (90+9′).

FIFA Greenlights Ayoub Bouaddi as Moroccan National Team Player

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced that it received a decision on Friday from the Players’ Status Chamber (PSC) of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), dated May 15, 2026, approving its request regarding the change of sporting nationality for the player Ayoub Bouaddi, who plays for LOCS Lille (France).

This decision by the PSC signifies the official and immediate eligibility of Ayoub Bouaddi to represent the Moroccan National Team in various international competitions, the FRMF specified in a press release.

U17 AFCON: Morocco Share Points with Tunisia in 1st Fixture (1-1)

The Moroccan U17 national football team and its Tunisian counterpart played to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group A match of the Africa Cup of Nations, played on Wednesday at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

The Tunisians opened the scoring through Yahya Jlidi in the 28th minute of play, before Ilian Hadidi scored the equalizer in the 76th minute.

Moroccan National Team to Play Three Friendlies Ahead of FIFA World Cup

The Moroccan national team will play three friendly matches in preparation for its participation in the 2026 World Cup finals, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The first friendly match will see the national team face Burundi this May 26 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, behind closed doors, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced in a press release on Tuesday.

Achraf Hakimi’s teammates will then play against Madagascar on June 2 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, starting at 6:00 PM, the FRMF specified.

The final match will pit the Atlas Lions against Norway on June 7 at the Red Bull Arena in New York, United States, at 3:00 PM local time.

Morocco has been drawn alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C of the 2026 World Cup.

Friday 05 June 2026