Following Morocco’s national football team’s unprecedented achievements at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the Atlas Lions carried their impressive momentum into 2024, culminating in historic milestones, including a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP) reported.
Morocco became the first African national football team to reach the quarter-finals of any World Cup, making history and allowing all Arab nations to dream of raising the trophy victoriously.
Under the guidance of coach Tarik Sektioui, Morocco’s Olympic football team secured a resounding 6-0 win over Egypt in the third-place playoff. This triumph not only highlighted Morocco’s rise as a global football powerhouse but also earned widespread praise from sports analysts.
Continental Challenges and Achievements
On the continental stage, Morocco’s national team faced setbacks, exiting in round 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in Côte d’Ivoire despite being among the top favorites. However, the Atlas Lions retained their position as Africa’s highest-ranked team in the FIFA rankings and ended the year ranked 14th globally. Additionally, they maintained a flawless record in qualifiers for both the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Club Achievements
Moroccan clubs also left a significant mark in African competitions. RS Berkane reached the CAF Confederation Cup final but fell to Egypt’s Zamalek after an impressive campaign. The team, which previously won the Confederation Cup in 2020 and 2022, has solidified its status as a dominant force in African football.
In women’s football, the Royal Army Women’s team reached the CAF Women’s Champions League final, held in Morocco in November. Despite losing to DR Congo’s TP Mazembe, the victory was a testament to Moroccan talent, as TP Mazembe was led by Moroccan coach Lamia Boumehdi, who was later named “Best Women’s Football Coach in Africa” at the 2024 CAF Awards.
Youth and Futsal Success
At the youth level, Moroccan teams excelled in the North African Championships. The U-20 team topped the standings, earning a spot at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, while the U-17 team also secured qualification for their continental tournament.
Futsal saw continued dominance under coach Hicham Dguig, with Morocco winning their third consecutive Africa Futsal Cup of Nations and reaching the World Cup quarterfinals.
A Hub for Global Football Events
In addition to on-field success, Morocco cemented its reputation as a premier destination for hosting major football events. Morocco, alongside Spain and Portugal, was officially announced on December 11 as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The nation was also awarded hosting rights for five consecutive editions of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup (2025-2029) and the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
With state-of-the-art infrastructure and a proven track record in organizing major tournaments, Morocco also hosted the CAF Awards for the third consecutive year and the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Vision and Leadership
These successes reflect the strategic vision and efforts spearheaded by His Majesty King Mohammed VI to elevate Moroccan sports. Football has become a cornerstone of Morocco’s development, showcasing the country’s potential on the global stage and inspiring a new generation of talent.
As 2024 draws to a close, Moroccan football stands as a shining example of excellence, driven by determination, innovation, and a commitment to sustained growth.