How Morocco climbed from 79th to 7th on the FIFA rankings

Morocco’s surge to seventh on the FIFA world rankings has reshaped expectations ahead of its Round of 16 clash with the Netherlands at the World Cup. In just sixteen years, the Atlas Lions climbed 72 places on the FIFA list, from 79th in 2008 to seventh today — leapfrogging the Netherlands in the process. The transformation began in 2008 when King Mohammed VI outlined a national football strategy in a letter read at a conference in Skhirat. “The sport is being exploited for purely commercial or egotistical purposes,” he wrote. “We must implement a strict strategy under the motto of this conference: a shared vision and shared responsibility.” That call led to sweeping reforms in governance, legal frameworks and investment priorities. One of the first tangible moves was the creation of the Académie Mohammed VI de Football in Salé in 2009. The state-of-the-art academy centralized youth development, bringing the country’s best young players together under one roof. Mark Wotte, who worked for the Moroccan FA between 2016 and 2019, described the facility as “a super-de-luxe football boarding school.” He noted that players trained twice daily, attended classes, and were given structured development pathways. “You can give them so much,” he said.

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The academy’s graduates now form the backbone of the senior team. Internationals such as Nayef Aguerd, Azzedine Ounahi, Youssef En-Nesyri and Feyenoord’s Oussama Targhalline all passed through its ranks. From 2014, the focus expanded to the Moroccan diaspora in Europe. Fouzi Lekjaa, the federation president, introduced a centralized scouting database of players with Moroccan heritage. This system enabled early contact and long-term integration. The results were immediate. By 2015, Morocco had risen to 75th; five years later, it stood 35th. Key signings included Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat, Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui. The rise continued under homegrown coaches. Walid Regragui, plucked from Wydad Casablanca weeks before the 2022 World Cup, guided Morocco to the semi-finals. After the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Mohamed Ouahbi — previously coach of the U-20 team — was appointed as the new senior coach. Morocco’s confidence has grown in tandem with its results. At this World Cup, under Ouahbi, the team has adopted a more attacking style, shedding its underdog image. The federation is also investing in coaching talent, offering accelerated courses to former internationals — including several from the Netherlands. With sights set on 2026, Morocco is positioning itself as a permanent force in world football, extending its influence beyond Africa.