Historic Return of the Lions of the Atlas
On July 12, 2026, the Lions of the Atlas, Morocco's national football team, made a triumphant return to their homeland after an impressive campaign in the 2026 World Cup, which will be remembered as one of the most significant chapters in Moroccan football history. The team's delegation arrived at Rabat-Salé Airport at approximately 2 AM on a private flight from Boston, where their World Cup journey concluded with a quarter-final match against France. This return signifies the end of a tournament that once again positioned Morocco among the elite in global football.
Memorable Matches and Milestones
Throughout the month-long tournament, the players, under the guidance of coach Mohamed Ouahbi, captivated the hearts of their nation. Demonstrating their ambitions right from the group stage, the Lions held the formidable Brazilian team to a 1-1 draw, followed by two convincing victories: a narrow 1-0 win against Scotland and a 4-2 triumph over Haiti, finishing second in their group with a total of seven points.
The knockout stage showcased the growth and resilience of this talented squad. The Moroccans started by eliminating the Netherlands in a nail-biting penalty shootout, before overpowering Canada with a 3-0 victory, highlighted by a stellar performance from Azzedine Ounahi, who scored two goals. However, in the quarter-finals, they faced a daunting challenge against France, where they were narrowly defeated 2-0 in Boston. Despite this loss, the Lions exited the tournament with their heads held high, earning respect and admiration from fans and analysts alike.
This World Cup campaign reaffirmed Morocco's rising status on the international stage. Following their historic semi-final appearance in 2022, the Lions of the Atlas have once again reached the top eight in the world, marking them as the only African and Arab team to advance to the quarter-finals in this inaugural 48-team World Cup. This consistency reflects the evolution of Moroccan football and ignites new aspirations for future tournaments.
As reported by sport.le360.ma.
