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Morocco Eyes World Cup 2026 Following Third CHAN Triumph
Some goals transcend the match itself and become etched into footballing history. Gareth Bale’s acrobatic bicycle kick against Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final and Diego Maradona’s unforgettable “Goal of the Century” in 1986 are prime examples. Last month in Nairobi, Morocco carved out its own legendary moment by winning a third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in six years. In front of 45,000 fans at Moi International Sports Centre, the Atlas Lions edged Madagascar 3-2 on August 17, with Oussama Lamlioui delivering a breathtaking 40-yard strike in the 79th minute to seal the victory. The goal, which went viral worldwide, not only crowned Morocco champions but elevated Lamlioui to instant icon status at home.
Lamlioui, who plies his trade with RS Berkane in the Moroccan Botola Pro league, finished the tournament as top scorer with six goals, earning the Golden Boot. His teammate Mohammed Hrimat was named Player of the Tournament, underlining Morocco’s dominance. This triumph means the Atlas Lions are now the most decorated team in CHAN history, adding to titles won in 2018 and 2020. Created in 2009, CHAN showcases Africa’s domestic-based talent, offering a stage outside Europe’s limelight. With five different nations lifting the trophy in eight editions, the competition has become a barometer of African football’s depth and competitiveness.
The magnitude of Morocco’s win was underscored by the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who praised the team’s performance and hailed their third crown as fully deserved. Beyond the silverware, his presence highlighted the growing weight of African football in global conversations. Morocco’s selection as co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal further cements this momentum. The North African nation is not merely a supplier of talent to Europe but is positioning itself as both a competitive force on the pitch and an essential hub for world football.
For Morocco, attention now shifts to the immediate challenge of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, where it currently stands as Africa’s highest-ranked team at 12th in the FIFA rankings. With a flawless record in the qualifiers, the Atlas Lions will face Niger in Rabat on September 5 in Group E. Parallel to sporting ambitions, Morocco is undertaking massive infrastructure projects ahead of 2030, from stadium renovations to rail and highway expansions. This dual investment—both in players and in facilities—signals Morocco’s long-term ambition: to blend continental dominance with global recognition, ensuring that moments like Lamlioui’s wonder goal are just the beginning of a historic footballing era.
