Morocco continues to make history in African football. Following the Atlas Lions’ qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup thanks to their convincing 3–0 victory over Canada, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has hailed this unprecedented achievement by the Moroccan national team.
The continental body emphasises that the Kingdom has become the first African nation in history to reach the quarter-finals of two consecutive World Cups, thereby confirming its status as a leading force on the continent.
An unprecedented feat for African football
On its official website, CAF states that this latest qualification confirms Morocco’s enduring place amongst the world’s best national teams.
Having made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Atlas Lions, now managed by Mohamed Ouahbi, are continuing their rise by once again securing a place amongst the world’s top eight teams.
For CAF, this performance demonstrates that Morocco’s 2022 campaign was not merely a one-off feat, but the result of a solid sporting project and steady progress.
Ounahi also makes history
The African governing body also highlighted the performance of Azzedine Ounahi, the key figure behind the victory over Canada.
Having scored a brace, the Moroccan midfielder has become the first African player since Senegal’s Henri Camara in 2002 to score two goals in a World Cup knockout match, according to CAF.
Thanks to their 3-0 victory over Canada, Morocco secured their place in the quarter-finals after a second half in which they were completely in control. Goals from Azzedine Ounahi, who scored twice, and then Soufiane Rahimi enabled the Atlas Lions to continue their remarkable World Cup journey.
Morocco will now face France, aiming to continue making history for Moroccan, African and world football.
