Rabat – Morocco’s national eightball pool team have been crowned world champions for the second time after defeating Northern Ireland 11-9 in the 2026 World Championship final in Marrakech.
The Moroccan team secured the title on Saturday, after a closely contested final that required 20 frames before the hosts completed the victory in front of their home supporters.
The victory marks Morocco’s second world title in the men’s team competition, 12 years after their breakthrough triumph in 2014.
Morocco’s first title came in Blackpool, England, where they defeated hosts England 8-4 in the final. Contemporary reporting from the 2014 tournament confirms Blackpool as the venue.
Morocco complete strong knockout run
Morocco entered the knockout stages after finishing fifth in the group phase, then raised their level in the decisive rounds.
The Atlas team defeated Ireland 11-4 before overcoming Wales 11-7 in the semifinal to secure their place in the title match against Northern Ireland.
National coach Yasser El Amrani described the achievement as the result of the work carried out by his players throughout the tournament, particularly against strong opposition.
#رياضات #المغرب
فيديو إنهاء اللعبة الأخيرة واحتفال الفريق المغربي بالفوز بمسابقة الفرق ضمن فعاليات بطولة العالم للبلياردو الإنجليزي Eightball pool دورة مراكش 2026. pic.twitter.com/N78OeMlSqV— AlmarssadPro (@ProsMarocains) September 27, 2026
The title-winning squad included Oussama El Maskini, Abderrahim Bendouro, Abderrahmane Cherfi, Houssam El Amrani, Rafik Hermouch, Anas Khoudmi, Badr Laafani, Imad Lahsini, Souleiman Ozaouit and Amer Riad.
Cherfi also credited the team’s concentration and competitive spirit for helping Morocco complete its run to the world title on home soil.
Marrakech hosts international field
The 2026 African and World Eightball Pool Championships ran from September 17 to 27 in Marrakech under the auspices of the Ultimate Pool Association and the International Eightball Pool Federation.
Nearly 300 players representing around 18 countries took part across 24 categories, including team, singles, doubles and Masters competitions.
Morocco also secured the African team title during the event, completing a continental and world double on home soil.
Abderrahmane Cherfi also reached the individual world final scheduled for Sunday, giving Morocco another opportunity to add to its medal haul before the tournament concludes.
