Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated Morocco after the Atlas Lions secured a dramatic victory over the Netherlands to book their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The thrilling encounter in Monterrey ended 1-1 after extra time before Morocco triumphed 3-2 in the penalty shootout. Midfielder Ismael Saibari converted the decisive spot-kick, sending Morocco into the knockout stage, where they will face Canada in Houston on July 4.
Celebrating the team’s remarkable achievement, Sheikh Mohammed shared a message on X, praising the players for their determination and resilience.
“A thousand congratulations to the Atlas Lions on qualifying for the Round of 16 in the World Cup finals.”
His message highlighted the significance of Morocco’s success beyond football, describing the qualification as a source of pride for the Kingdom of Morocco and an inspiring achievement for the wider Arab region.
Morocco’s performance once again demonstrated the team’s growing presence on the global football stage, continuing the momentum built during recent international tournaments. Their disciplined display and composure under pressure reinforced their reputation as one of the strongest footballing nations in Africa and the Arab world.
As the Atlas Lions prepare for their next challenge against Canada, fans across Morocco and the Middle East will be hoping the team can continue its impressive World Cup journey and add another memorable chapter to its football history.
