Rabat- Since 2022, Morocco has quietly compiled what appears to be the most comprehensive run of international football success in modern history — across men’s, women’s, youth, and futsal.
The “Atlas Lions,” the “Lionesses,” and their younger and futsal counterparts have delivered on every front, making Morocco the only country worldwide to pass the group stage in all major global tournaments during this period.
- In 2022, the men’s senior team became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi‑finals of the FIFA World Cup, ultimately finishing fourth.
- In 2023, the senior women’s national team — in their debut World Cup — advanced from the group stage to the Round of 16.
- In 2024, the men’s Olympic team reached the semi‑finals in Paris, securing a historic Olympic bronze medal.
- Also in 2024, Morocco’s men’s futsal squad advanced to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Futsal World Cup after two opening wins.
- In 2025, the U‑20 men’s team achieved a historic milestone by winning the FIFA U‑20 World Cup in Chile, defeating Argentina 2–0 in the final. Morocco became the first Arab nation and the second African country to ever claim this title.
📸 Such a proud, historic moment for Morocco. 🥹🇲🇦
The U20 national team brought back memories of the 2022 senior team parade in Rabat. #Morocco #U20worldcup #2menglish pic.twitter.com/IrizG2pZDP
— 2M.ma (@2MInteractive) October 22, 2025
- The U‑17 men’s team won U17 AFCON at home and also reached the quarter-finals at the FIFA U‑17 World Cup 2025.
- Meanwhile,the Morocco U‑17 women’s team, playing at home in the 2025 FIFA U‑17 Women’s World Cup, advanced from the group stage to the Round of 16, marking a major achievement for `
- Finally, the women’s futsal team earned qualification for the first-ever Women’s Futsal World Cup in 2025.
These results reflect Morocco’s strategic investment in football — from youth academies to women’s — positioning the country as a rising powerhouse on the world stage.
Beyond football the country still hopes to replicate this success across all sports.
But while football receives the majority of investment and attention, other disciplines often lack the resources and support needed to reach their full potential.
As such, strengthening programs beyond football could further elevate Morocco’s global sporting reputation but also inspire a new generation of athletes across a wider range of disciplines.
Read also: On Being a Foreigner in Morocco During the World Cup
