The victory against the Netherlands weighs more than just the World Cup bracket. It also allows Morocco to widen the gap in the FIFA world rankings , where the Atlas Lions now appear well ahead of the Oranje.
Morocco did not merely secure qualification against the Netherlands. For the BBC, the Atlas Lions have confirmed their new status in world football, following a match they controlled for long periods before winning on penalties.
Morocco secured its qualification for the round of 16 of the World Cup after a breathtaking match against the Netherlands. Following the 1-1 draw after extra time, the Atlas Lions prevailed on penalties, plunging the Dutch press into a severe analysis of Oranje’s failure.
Morocco qualified in dramatic fashion against the Netherlands, in a match that tells less of a crushing dominance than of genuine collective maturity. The Atlas Lions built much, waited long, and ultimately survived an encounter stretched to a penalty shootout.
Morocco qualified on Tuesday for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup . The team eliminated the Netherlands on penalties after a breathtaking final stretch at the BBVA Stadium in Monterrey.
Morocco took a serious option in its group after its victory against Scotland (1-0), Friday in Foxborough. But in the United Kingdom, the success of the Lions of the Atlas is mainly told through a mixture of frustration, regrets and recognition of Moroccan superiority.
Morocco made an impression against Brazil. From the 65th minute onwards, the Atlas Lions evolved with eleven players born outside the kingdom, 100% MRE therefore, a first recorded in World Cup history.
Morocco held its own against Brazil (1-1) in their World Cup opener. In the press, several Atlas Lions were praised, starting with Ayyoub Bouaddi, Noussair Mazraoui and Ismael Saibari.
National coach Mohamed Ouahbi has unveiled the list of players selected for the 2026 World Cup. While the usual key players are present, Hakim Ziyech’s much-discussed absence is the standout feature of this call-up.
Arriving in England in 2018, the Moroccan international Issa Diop has made nutrition his priority. By enlisting the services of a personal chef, he optimizes his recovery and hopes to extend his career at the highest level.
The Moroccan defender for Olympique de Marseille will not set foot on the pitch again this year. Following surgery for a complex injury, Nayef Aguerd’s unavailability has been extended , which disrupts Marseille’s plans and jeopardizes his participation in the World Cup.
National coach Mohammed Ouahbi has begun a two-week European tour . This trip aims to supervise the Moroccan internationals before finalizing the definitive list for the 2026 World Cup organized in North America.