The former coach of Morocco Walid Regragui has publicly reacted to the national team’s dramatic qualification for the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sharing a celebratory message on social media after their penalty shootout win over the Netherlands.
The Atlas Lions secured their place in the next round following a tense 1-1 draw, before edging the Dutch 3-2 on penalties in a high-pressure knockout encounter that underlined their growing reputation on the world stage.
On Instagram, the former coach reposted an official story from the Moroccan national team showing players celebrating the victory.
The image captured the emotional scenes after the shootout triumph, which confirmed Morocco’s place among the tournament’s final 16 teams.
The post carried the simple but powerful message “Qualified”, accompanied by the popular Moroccan anthem “Dima Maghrib”, a phrase often associated with national pride and sporting success.
Together, the message and soundtrack reflected the collective pride surrounding the team’s achievement.
Morocco’s latest success continues a strong narrative of progress in international football, with the national team once again showing resilience in knockout competition.
The result adds to their growing reputation for handling high-pressure moments, particularly in penalty shootouts where composure proved decisive.
The reaction from the former coach also serves as a reminder of Morocco’s historic rise in recent years.
Under previous leadership, the Atlas Lions achieved one of the most significant milestones in African football history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
That run reshaped expectations for the national team and set a new benchmark for African nations on the global stage.
While the current squad continues under Mohamed Ouahbi, the connection between past and present generations remains visible, with former figures still closely following the team’s progress and celebrating its achievements.
Attention now turns to Morocco’s next challenge in the tournament. The Atlas Lions are set to face Canada in the Round of 16 on 4 July in Houston, where a place in the quarter-finals will be at stake.
The match represents another major test for Morocco, who have already overcome one of Europe’s traditional heavyweights in the Netherlands.
Their ability to respond under pressure will again be crucial as they prepare to meet a Canada side also enjoying a strong World Cup campaign.
For supporters and former figures alike, the message remains one of unity and belief, as Morocco continue their journey on football’s biggest stage, carrying both history and ambition into the next round.
