KANSAS CITY, USA — Morocco will carry Africa’s hopes into the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after becoming the continent’s only remaining representative in the last eight of the tournament.
The Atlas Lions secured their place in the quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada in the Round of 16, extending another remarkable World Cup campaign after their historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022.
Morocco’s latest achievement comes after the elimination of the other African teams that had reached the knockout rounds. Egypt bowed out following a dramatic 3-2 defeat to defending champions Argentina, while South Africa, Senegal, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast and DR Congo all exited the tournament earlier.
The Atlas Lions are now the only African nation among the eight teams still in contention for football’s biggest prize.
The official quarter-final lineup is:
- Morocco vs France – July 9
- Spain vs Belgium – July 10
- Norway vs England – July 11
- Argentina vs Switzerland – July 11
Morocco booked its place in the last eight after defeating Canada, while France edged Paraguay 1-0. Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history; England eliminated Mexico 3-2, Spain overcame Portugal 1-0, Belgium thrashed the United States 4-1, Argentina came from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2, and Switzerland defeated Colombia in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
The Atlas Lions’ success continues a remarkable rise for Moroccan football. In Qatar 2022, Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final. Their run to the 2026 quarter-finals marks the first time an African country has reached consecutive World Cup quarter-finals, reinforcing Morocco’s status as one of the world’s emerging football powers.
Football analysts have attributed Morocco’s sustained success to long-term planning, investment in youth development, coaching stability and a strong domestic football structure. Their performances have once again inspired football fans across Africa, with supporters rallying behind the Atlas Lions as the continent’s last remaining hope in the tournament.
Morocco now face one of their toughest tests yet against France, with a place in the semi-finals at stake. Victory would move the Atlas Lions one step closer to becoming the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup final.