While the Atlas Lionesses are currently competing in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 on home soil, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is continuing its long-term strategy to develop women’s football across the Kingdom.

During a meeting held on Monday under the leadership of Fouzi Lekjaa, the federation announced a new measure aimed at strengthening the foundations of Moroccan women’s football and improving its competitiveness at continental and international level.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the president of the National Women’s Football League to present a positive assessment of recent seasons, highlighting the progress made by clubs, national teams and the gradual expansion of women’s football participation in Morocco.

A promising transformation since 2020

Since 2020, Morocco has undertaken a major transformation of its women’s football structure.

The professionalisation of competitions, improved organisation and increased support for clubs have allowed the Kingdom to accelerate its development and close part of the gap with Africa’s most established football nations.

This progress has been reflected in the performances of the Atlas Lionesses, who have reached the final of the last two editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and have established themselves among the leading teams on the continent.

The FRMF now wants to continue this professionalisation process until the end of 2026, with a particular focus on improving club structures and giving greater importance to youth development.

A dedicated technical department for women’s football

One of the key decisions announced by the federation is the creation of a dedicated women’s football unit within the National Technical Directorate.

This new structure will be responsible for coordinating player identification, training programmes and the development of coaches working in women’s football.

Its main objective will be to expand the pool of talented players available for Morocco’s national teams and ensure a stronger pathway from grassroots football to the highest level.

The initiative reflects the FRMF’s ambition to build a sustainable model rather than relying only on the success of the senior national team.

Greater autonomy for national leagues from December

Starting at the end of December, Morocco’s national leagues are also expected to benefit from greater management autonomy.

This change aims to improve decision-making processes and create an organisational framework better adapted to the specific needs of each competition.

For the FRMF, strengthening the governance of women’s football is a key step toward ensuring long-term growth and maintaining Morocco’s position among Africa’s top football nations.

Beyond WAFCON 2026: preparing the next generation of Atlas Lionesses

As Morocco hosts the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, the message from the federation is clear: the achievements of the current generation must serve as a foundation for the future.

The performances of the Atlas Lionesses on the international stage have increased the visibility of Moroccan women’s football, but the FRMF wants to ensure that this momentum continues through stronger development programmes.

With the creation of a specialised technical unit and continued investment in training, Morocco is aiming to establish a lasting model capable of producing future generations of talented players and competing consistently at the highest level.