Rabat– King Mohammed VI congratulated Morocco’s national football team on Saturday evening after the Atlas Lions secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals with a 3-0 victory over Canada.
The King personally called national team head coach Mohammed Ouahbi and captain Achraf Hakimi shortly after the final whistle, praising the players’ outstanding performance, fighting spirit, and discipline throughout the match.
During the call, King Mohammed VI asked Ouahbi and Hakimi to convey his congratulations to the entire national team, including the players, coaching staff, medical team, and administrative personnel. He also expressed pride in the team’s achievement and wished the Atlas Lions continued success in their World Cup campaign.
Speaking after the match, Ouahbi described Morocco’s World Cup run as the result of years of sustained investment in the country’s football development. He credited King Mohammed VI’s vision for the sport, highlighting the role of the Mohammed VI Football Academy in nurturing a generation of players capable of competing at the highest level.
“The Mohammed VI Academy has become a breeding ground for talent and champions,” Ouahbi said during the post-match press conference.
Hakimi also paid tribute to the King in a message shared on social media, thanking him “for his constant support and vision for Moroccan football.”
“We will keep giving everything to make our country proud and, God willing, make you proud,” the Morocco captain wrote.
Morocco advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Canada 3-0, continuing the country’s historic run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
