FIFA has officially praised Morocco's performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite their elimination in the quarterfinals following a 2-0 loss to France. The governing body highlighted the Atlas Lions' historic run, which saw them become the first African team to reach the quarterfinals in consecutive World Cups.
Morocco's campaign included a group stage victory over Croatia and a dramatic penalty shootout win against Spain in the Round of 16. Their defensive resilience and tactical discipline under coach Walid Regragui earned widespread acclaim, with FIFA noting the team's 'inspirational journey' for African football.
The quarterfinal match against France, played on July 10, 2026, saw goals from Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann. Despite the defeat, Morocco's performance throughout the tournament solidified their status as a rising force in global football.
