World Cup 2026: Morocco fans give Atlas Lions heroes’ welcome after quarter-final run

Morocco’s players were welcomed home by jubilant supporters after returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they once again carried Africa’s hopes by reaching the quarter-finals before being eliminated by France.

Dozens of fans gathered outside Rabat-Salé Airport late on Saturday night to greet the Atlas Lions as they arrived home shortly after midnight, applauding a team that had become the continent’s final remaining representative in the tournament.

Despite the disappointment of Thursday’s quarter-final defeat, many supporters chose to celebrate Morocco’s achievements rather than focus on the result, recognising another landmark World Cup campaign for the North African nation.

Another milestone for Moroccan football

Morocco’s run to the last eight reinforced the country’s growing stature on the international stage.

The Atlas Lions were the only African and Arab nation to reach the quarter-finals at the 2026 tournament, building on the remarkable success of Qatar 2022, when they became the first African and Arab team to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Although their campaign ended against France, Morocco once again demonstrated its ability to compete with the world’s leading football nations, underlining the progress the team has made in recent years.

Ouahbi admits France deserved victory

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged that France proved the better side in the quarter-final, explaining that Morocco’s defensive approach was dictated by the quality of the opposition rather than by tactical intention.

“Why did we defend from the beginning? They forced us to defend because they were very good when they had the ball, and they moved well down the flanks,” Ouahbi acknowledged.

“We have to admit they were better than us and quicker.”

His assessment echoed the challenge Morocco faced against one of the tournament favourites, but it did little to dampen the pride of supporters waiting to welcome the squad home.

Defeat does little to overshadow achievements

While the loss to France brought Morocco’s campaign to an end, it has done little to diminish what many regard as another historic achievement for African football.

The Atlas Lions’ back-to-back appearances in the World Cup quarter-finals have cemented their place among the continent’s leading football nations and reinforced their reputation as regular challengers on the global stage.

For the supporters gathered at Rabat-Salé Airport, the reception reflected appreciation rather than disappointment, as Morocco’s players returned home having once again elevated the profile of African football on the world’s biggest stage.