World Cup 2026: Fouzi Lekjaa carried by Morocco stars after thrilling Netherlands triumph

Morocco’s players carried federation president Fouzi Lekjaa during emotional celebrations after the Atlas Lions secured qualification with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands.

The Moroccan team booked their place on Monday night following a tense encounter against the Dutch side that finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra time.

The match was eventually decided from the penalty spot, where Morocco held their nerve to win 3-2 and continue their journey.

The celebrations continued inside Monterrey Stadium after the final whistle, with the squad sharing memorable scenes of joy with Lekjaa. A video released by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation captured the strong bond between the players and the federation president during the celebrations.

The footage showed the Atlas Lions celebrating together, exchanging hugs and expressing their happiness after a difficult battle.

The players were seen gathering around Lekjaa before repeatedly chanting: “President! President! President!”, highlighting the relationship between the team and their leader.

The moment reflected the unity within the Moroccan camp after a hard-fought qualification. Players celebrated with smiles, embraces and chants as they enjoyed the achievement together.

The scenes also showed the team’s strong connection beyond the pitch, with the squad displaying a sense of togetherness after overcoming a challenging match against the Netherlands.

Morocco’s players continued their celebrations in an atmosphere filled with excitement and pride, showing the spirit that has brought the team together throughout the competition.

The emotional exchange between the players and Lekjaa underlined the close relationship within the national team setup as the Atlas Lions marked another important milestone.