Arise, Morocco — African football’s latest giant

Over the years, African football has seen nations rise above the rest to become standard-bearers of footballing excellence on the continent. In eras gone by, countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Algeria each served as pioneers and the gold standard for African football — but none managed to hold that mantle for a sustained period.

However, in a time of change and upheaval that has left a power vacuum at the heart of African football, a new force has emerged — a veritable giant aiming not only to dominate the continent but also to challenge the world.

Step forward, Morocco.

The North African country has come a long way from being a small nation that made its debut in the FIFA World Cup 55 years ago. After making three more appearances, qualifying for the Round of 16 in 1986, Morocco’s zenith arrived in 2022, when the Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar, something no other African nation had achieved.

Following such grand success on the global stage, many nations might have rested on their laurels and allowed complacency creep in. However, this was not on Morocco’s agenda. Instead, the nation has gone on to take rapid strides in the past three years and become a footballing powerhouse and the epitome of success in Africa.

Under the leadership and guidance of King Mohammed VI, who is a self-professed football fan, Morocco is building a football landscape that shall set the country on the path to success, excellence, and respect all across the world.

The men’s national team already boast stars that are playing or have played in some of the biggest leagues in Europe. Achraf Hakimi, who has played for Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, and Inter Milan is currently plying his trade at Paris Saint-Germain, currently leads the side. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has time and again demonstrated his quality as one of the best in the business and recently made headlines with his stunning performance against Manchester City in the Club World Cup. Noussair Mazraoui has played for Ajax, Bayern Munich, and is currently a key member in a Manchester United side trying to relive their glory years, while young Bilal El Khannouss made heads turn with his impressive showings in the Premier League recently with Leicester City.

Even the women’s team are carving out an identity of their own. After qualifying for the final of the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON), they made their own piece of history in the 2023 Women’s World Cup by qualifying for the Round of 16 in their very first appearance in the tournament. They are currently in the quarter-finals of the 2024 WAFCON, and will hope to go one step better than in 2022.

It is not only performances on the field that make Morocco a formidable force. The country’s keen involvement in proceedings off the pitch is also what is making it a force to be reckoned with.

Morocco is at the forefront of an avalanche of footballing events that could raise its goodwill to stratospheric heights. Currently hosting the 2024 WAFCON, Morocco will also play host for the men’s AFCON in December this year, before hosting the 2026 WAFCON next year. The crown jewel to cap it all off will arrive four years later in the form of the 2030 men’s World Cup, which Morocco is set to co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.

Morocco’s story of getting the opportunity to host the World Cup is nothing short of resilient. Having earlier bid five times to host the World Cup (1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, and 2026), the sixth time has proven to be the charm, showcasing the country’s resilience and determination.

Now that it has the opportunity to host, Morocco is leaving no stone unturned in preparation for the 2030 World Cup.

Expansion and renovation works are already in full swing on around 45 football stadiums and training facilities. The biggest piece of construction that is under progress is the Stade Hassan II near Casablanca, expected to soon house around 115,000 people. The Mohammed VI Football Centre in Rabat is also said to be one of the world’s best, known as the “jewel” of Moroccan football.

The Moroccans are roaring, and they want their roar to be heard across the world. From being minnows in the footballing landscape to legitimate heavyweights, they have come a long way.

And they are here to stay.