Morocco’s ascent in international football was highlighted by its impressive journey to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, capturing global attention. For more than ten years, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has been developing a framework that merges international talent scouting, family engagement, and training programs to ensure that talented players from the diaspora feel connected to the national vision. Players such as Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, and Noussair Mazraoui exemplify the success of early scouting and integration efforts. Regragui led the team for four years but resigned less than 100 days before the 2026 World Cup, with Mohamed Ouahbi, the former under-20 coach, taking over the Atlas Lions. The Government has also prioritised funding the construction of state-of-the-art football stadia, which have seen the country playing host to major global and continental championships such as the FIFA Club World Cup, AFCON U-20, WAFCON and most recently the AFCON 2025.

Source: Daily Nation March 10, 2026 20:36 UTC