Morocco — Football

Football is the most popular sport in Morocco, and Moroccan football reached unprecedented heights at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals. The Botola Pro features 32 clubs across 3 organised competitions.

Morocco boasts one of Africa's strongest domestic leagues, the Botola Pro, with passionate fanbases and historic rivalries. The country will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, further cementing its position as a major footballing nation.

Football in Morocco has deep roots, with the sport taking hold during the French and Spanish protectorate periods. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation was established in 1955, shortly after independence.

Morocco's 2022 World Cup campaign was a defining moment in global football history. The Atlas Lions defeated Belgium, Spain, and Portugal en route to the semi-finals, becoming the first African nation to reach that stage. The achievement galvanised the entire continent and Arab world. Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup will mark another historic milestone.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is one of the most powerful football organisations in Africa. Founded in 1955, it oversees the Botola Pro, cup competitions, and national teams. The FRMF has invested heavily in infrastructure and youth development, producing a generation of players competing at the highest levels in Europe.

The Moroccan football pyramid has three main tiers. The Botola Pro is the top division, featuring the country's strongest clubs. The Botola Pro 2 serves as the second tier, with promotion and relegation connecting the divisions.

The Throne Cup is a historic knockout competition that has been contested since 1957. Moroccan clubs have been among the most successful in Africa, regularly competing in and winning the CAF Champions League.

Wydad AC and Raja CA, both based in Casablanca, are the two giants of Moroccan football. Their rivalry, the Casablanca derby, is one of the most intense in African football. Both clubs have won the CAF Champions League and have massive, passionate fanbases.

FAR Rabat, AS FAR, and Maghreb de Fes are other historically significant clubs. Moroccan clubs have collectively won the CAF Champions League on multiple occasions, establishing the Botola Pro as one of Africa's strongest leagues.

Morocco's semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was a historic achievement. The Atlas Lions defeated Spain on penalties and Portugal 1-0, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final.

Morocco won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1976 and has been a consistent contender in African football. The country has also produced a remarkable generation of players competing at Europe's biggest clubs, including Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, and Youssef En-Nesyri.

Morocco boasts several modern stadiums, with major investment ahead of the 2030 World Cup. The Stade Moulay Abdallah in Rabat and Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca are key venues. New world-class stadiums are under construction as part of the 2030 hosting preparations, which will significantly upgrade the country's football infrastructure.

Football is deeply woven into Moroccan society, transcending social and geographic boundaries. The Casablanca derby between Wydad and Raja is among the most atmospheric fixtures in world football, with ultras groups creating extraordinary tifo displays and non-stop chanting. The 2022 World Cup run united Moroccans worldwide and inspired millions across Africa and the Arab world. Football is a source of national pride and identity.