The Atlas Lions, Morocco’s national team, made a lasting impression with their performance  during Qatar 2022, the first World Cup ever held in the Middle East. After topping their group, the team garnered international attention as the country became the first Arab nation to advance to the last four of the World Cup, and only the fourth African team to do so, after Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010. Walid Regragui, the team’s manager, became the first African coach to guide an African team to this stage of the competition. The Atlas Lions then went one better, becoming the first African nation in history to reach the World Cup semifinals, with an historic victory against Portugal in the quarter finals.

Morocco’s performances unleashed a wave of euphoria through Africa and the Arab and Muslim world . Despite political disagreements and sporting rivalries, social media was flooded with images of celebration and displays of unity. The Moroccan team came to represent something greater than football: by waving the Palestinian flag after wins, underlining the Palestinian struggle as a shared cause across the Middle East and Africa.Fans flocked from all over the world to witness history being made. But what is the real story behind the Atlas Lions' ascension to iconic footballing status, and what comes next?

That the Atlas Lions' thrilling run came to an end in the semifinals made little difference: they returned home to a heroes’ welcome after a fairytale World Cup run. The players and coaching staff were received by King Mohammed VI at the Royal palace in Rabat and were awarded medals in recognition of their achievements. The team’s efforts are testament to the evolution of Moroccan football in recent years, thanks to efficient planning and investment. Morocco has spent heavily on sports infrastructure and  It now boasts six FIFA-approved stadiums. Youth development programmes, training facilities and academies, such as the 15 million USD King Mohammed VI Football Academy have sprung up across the country, funded by both public and private sector investment. Moroccan clubs Wydad Casablanca and Raja Casablanca have emerged as strong contenders in continental competitions and have elevated the profile of Moroccan club football. Strategic partnerships with international clubs and leagues have provided Moroccan players with valuable exposure. Several young talents have caught the attention of European giants, earning lucrative contracts at  top-tier European clubs. 

The Atlas Lions have also recruited  from the 4-million strong Moroccan diaspora, fighting the assumption that representing a Western country provides a better chance of competing at the highest level on the international stage. In 2014, the Moroccan Football Federation launched a campaign called “Bring back talents belonging to the soil”, offering incentives to young Moroccan footballers to play for their  motherland.

Despite significant investments in infrastructure, youth development, coaching and education, additional efforts are needed for Moroccan football to push on to the next level. More emphasis should be placed on developing well-qualified coaches who can implement effective training methods, player development strategies, and game tactics. Morocco's domestic league, the Botola Pro, needs further improvements in terms of organisation, marketing, and player and squad development. A strong and well-structured league could attract better talent, generate interest amongst fans, and provide a platform for players to showcase their abilities.

Ensuring transparent and effective governance is also essential. Combating corruption, strengthening  accountability, and promoting ethical practices within Moroccan footballare crucial to fostering trust and credibility. Balancing traditional values with the demands of modern football, promoting gender equality in sport, and overcoming social barriers are also important to consider in order to boost the profile of football in Morocco. Addressing these issues will require a comprehensive and long-term strategy involving various stakeholders, including the Moroccan Football Federation, government authorities, clubs, sponsors, and the wider football community. Morocco’s ascent means exciting prospects for the country's future success in African and global football. The legacy of the 2022 World Cup, and the Atlas Lions’ journey have laid the groundwork for a vibrant footballing landscape in Morocco. On March 16, the Moroccan government announced that the North African nation  was teaming up with Spain and Portugal to bid to host the 2030 World Cup. Due to their heavy reliance on tourism, the three countries are well-equipped in terms of hospitality, transport, and healthcare facilities, along with myriad FIFA-standard stadiums. The countries are close together, and the alliance was made possible by the recent thaw in diplomatic relations between Spain and Morocco, as well as Ukraine's withdrawal from the bidding process following  Russia’s invasion of that country. The trio will be up against the candidacy of four South American countries (Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay). Morocco would be only the second African nation to host the finals, after South Africa in 2010. Following the Atlas Lions’ success, hosting the tournament would be the perfect next step for Moroccan football and would showcase to the world what the country has to offer.