World Cup 2026: Morocco erupts in celebration after Atlas Lions reach quarter-finals

Morocco was swept by celebrations on Saturday night after the Atlas Lions secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada, prompting thousands of supporters to fill streets and public squares across the country.

The convincing victory extended Morocco’s impressive tournament run and triggered scenes of jubilation from the country’s largest cities to smaller towns, as fans celebrated another significant achievement for the national team.

Supporters gathered in large numbers in Casablanca, Mohammedia, Settat, El Jadida, Berrechid and Benslimane shortly after the final whistle.

Major roads and public spaces quickly became packed with fans waving Moroccan flags, sounding car horns and singing in celebration of the Atlas Lions’ latest success.

In the capital, Rabat, Mohammed V Avenue became the centre of the festivities as supporters celebrated together in a lively atmosphere.

Similar scenes unfolded in Marrakech, where crowds gathered across several neighbourhoods and at the famous Jemaa El Fna Square, where a giant screen had been installed for supporters to watch the match.

Celebrations spread across the country

The celebrations were not limited to Morocco’s largest cities.

In Fez, nearly 10,000 supporters reportedly gathered at Bab Boujloud after the final whistle to celebrate the team’s qualification for the last eight.

Similar scenes were reported in Tangier, Tetouan and Al Hoceima, where supporters praised Morocco’s convincing display against Canada.

Much of the excitement centred on the performances of Azzedine Ounahi, who scored twice, and Soufiane Rahimi, who added Morocco’s third goal.

In Oujda, cafés were filled before kick-off as supporters gathered to watch the match together.

Following the victory, the celebrations spilled into the streets as large crowds marked another memorable night for Moroccan football.

Festive gatherings were also reported in Beni Mellal, while residents in Essaouira celebrated along the Corniche, Al-Akaba Avenue and Moulay El Hassan Square.

The celebrations stretched well beyond Morocco’s coastal cities.

Fans also gathered in Errachidia, Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Midelt and Zagora throughout the Drâa-Tafilalet region, reflecting the nationwide excitement surrounding the team’s achievement.

Further south, supporters in Laâyoune, Guelmim and Dakhla also joined the celebrations, highlighting the widespread enthusiasm generated by Morocco’s progress in the tournament.

Victory strengthens belief

The celebrations reflected not only the importance of reaching another World Cup quarter-final but also the confidence supporters have developed in Mohamed Ouahbi’s side throughout the competition.

Many fans pointed to the team’s organisation, discipline and collective performances as reasons for optimism as Morocco continues its campaign.

The 3-0 victory over Canada further reinforced that belief, with Morocco producing another composed display to secure progression to the next stage of the tournament.

For many supporters, the latest achievement also represents a continuation of the momentum created during Morocco’s memorable 2022 World Cup campaign.

Rather than viewing this run as an isolated success, many now see the Atlas Lions as a team capable of consistently competing among the world’s leading football nations.

As celebrations continued late into the night across cities and towns nationwide, attention gradually began to turn towards Morocco’s next challenge in the quarter-finals, with supporters hoping the Atlas Lions can extend their remarkable World Cup journey even further.