Rabat – Morocco is witnessing today a historic day, with a large crowd mobilized across Rabat city to celebrate the U20 Moroccan national team, crowned world champions after their stunning victory in Chile.
Moroccans of all ages, as well as migrants and residents, lined the route connecting Rabat’s royal palace and Mohammed V avenue. Wearing Moroccan jerseys, and waving carrying flags, fans painted the city in red and green as streets echoed in chants.
Moroccan citizens filled the air with chants, ululations, and spontaneous expressions of love and appreciation for the Atlas Cubs. Many chanted slogans like “Dima Maghrib,” or Morocco, forever, as well as “Sir, Sir, Sir.”
An open-top bus carrying the tie-clad players swept through Morocco’s Rabat, as fans packed the streets to cheer on the Atlas Cubs.
The tour came following a warm royal reception at the Royal Palace, where Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan received the Atlas Cubs to honor their achievement.
One fan attending the ceremony described the achievement as “great” in an interview with Morocco World News (MWN).
He continued that today marks a “day of joy for the youth of our national team who brought home the World Cup. Of course, this achievement was not easy, as they faced some of the strongest teams from Latin America, Europe, and Asia.”
The Atlas Cubs managed to win the U-20 World Cup, a first-ever for Morocco in all categories, the fan added, expressing pride.
“I wish them even more success in the future. They made us all happy, and that’s why we came here today — to celebrate them and to wish them continued success,” the fan added.
Morocco made history last week on Sunday after defeating Argentina to win the final game 2-0. While Argentina dominated possession of the ball during the game, it struggled to create clear chances as Morocco’s Atlas Cubs stayed organized, blocking key attempts.
The Atlas Cubs were also consistent throughout the competition, showing remarkable and stunning cooperation and harmony.
Following the win, Moroccan players dedicated the achievement to the Moroccan people and King Mohammed VI, thanking the monarch for his commitment to football development.
The monarch has also expressed his pride, sending a heartfelt message to Morocco’s under-20 national team.
“Just as you delighted and brought joy to passionate football fans, you have also filled us with happiness, along with the entire Moroccan people,” King Mohammed VI said in a heartwarming message.
The monarch also celebrated the Atlas Cubs’ outstanding professional performance, expressing gratitude to all of the people who support the Atlas Cubs champions, including coaches, players, and technical and administrative staff.
Today’s homecoming parade brings back memories of past times when Moroccan teams contributed to the country’s football legacy – particularly when Morocco’s senior team returned from Qatar as a 2022 World Cup semifinalist.
On December 20, 2022 tens of thousands of jubilant Moroccans welcomed their national football team home on that occasion.
Fans lined up along Rabat avenues and streets waving flags and dancing, cheering, and carrying football players pictures as well as their phones to document the moment.
