How Morocco Made History at Qatar 2022
A group nobody expected them to win
Morocco arrived in Qatar as outsiders in Group F, drawn alongside 2018 runners-up Croatia, world No. 2 Belgium and Canada. Few neutrals gave Walid Regragui's side, assembled barely three months before the tournament, much hope of survival.
Instead Morocco went unbeaten. A disciplined goalless draw with Croatia was followed by a stunning 2-0 win over a fractured Belgium, with goals from Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal. A 2-1 victory over Canada sealed top spot and announced the Atlas Lions as the surprise package of the group stage.
Spain conquered on penalties
The last 16 brought 2010 world champions Spain. Morocco soaked up Spanish possession for 120 minutes, defending with the kind of organisation that became their signature, and forced a shootout in front of a deafening crowd.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved twice and Achraf Hakimi sealed it with a cheeky Panenka, sending Morocco into a first-ever World Cup quarter-final and sparking celebrations from Rabat to the streets of Brussels, Paris and beyond.
Portugal and a continent on its feet
In the quarter-final, Youssef En-Nesyri rose above Diogo Costa to head home the only goal against a Portugal side featuring Cristiano Ronaldo. Morocco held firm even after Walid Cheddira's late red card, becoming the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final.
The result transformed the team into a symbol for Africa and the Arab world, with players celebrating alongside their mothers on the pitch and the Palestinian flag carried in solidarity throughout the run.
France end the dream
The semi-final against reigning champions France proved a bridge too far. Theo Hernandez struck early and Randal Kolo Muani sealed a 2-0 win, though Morocco pushed hard and hit the woodwork.
A 2-1 defeat to Croatia in the third-place play-off ended the campaign, but fourth place remains the best finish by any African or Arab nation in World Cup history.
| Stage | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group F | Croatia | 0-0 |
| Group F | Belgium | 2-0 W |
| Group F | Canada | 2-1 W |
| Last 16 | Spain | 0-0 (3-0 pens) W |
| Quarter-final | Portugal | 1-0 W |
| Semi-final | France | 0-2 L |
| Third place | Croatia | 1-2 L |
Morocco's path through Qatar 2022
FAQ
Was Morocco the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final?
Yes. At Qatar 2022 Morocco became the first African nation, and also the first Arab nation, to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Which big teams did Morocco beat in 2022?
Morocco beat Belgium in the group stage, then eliminated Spain on penalties and Portugal 1-0 in the knockout rounds.
Where did Morocco finish at the 2022 World Cup?
Morocco finished fourth, losing to eventual champions France in the semi-final and to Croatia in the third-place play-off.
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