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The Futsal World Cup returns, with Uzbekistan hosting its tenth edition from September 14 to October 6, 2024. Morocco, who reached the quarter-finals in 2021, is once again poised for a strong showing under the leadership of Hicham Dguig, who has coached the team since 2010. The three-time CAN champions and Confederations Cup holders are looking to achieve another remarkable feat.
While the inaugural edition of the tournament was held in the Netherlands in 1989, Morocco’s national futsal team was formed in 1995. However, it wasn’t until 2012—two years after Dguig took charge—that the team qualified for the World Cup for the first time. Despite facing challenges, including the tragic loss of two players, Amine El Yaghzi and Ismail Khayati, in a road accident, Morocco made their World Cup debut. Unfortunately, after a series of defeats, they were eliminated in the group stage.
Following this setback, Morocco was absent from international futsal competitions until 2015, when they began a gradual comeback. Their resurgence was marked by their qualification for the 2016 CAN, where they clinched their first title and earned a place at the World Cup. Despite another early exit, this time at the hands of Argentina, the reigning champions, Morocco's progress was clear.
Years of preparation for world stage success
Between 2016 and 2019, Morocco's futsal team intensified their efforts, increasing friendly matches and off-calendar preparations. This strategy began paying off in 2020, when they not only won their second CAN title on home soil but also reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. Riding high on confidence, the team secured their first Arab Championship victory and followed it up with a successful defense of the title the next year.
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⚽️ Así han sido los goles de la victoria de Marruecos frente a España#FutsalEspaña #FutsalWC pic.twitter.com/tMRNXiUfEH— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) August 14, 2024
Morocco's continued success saw them win the Futsal Confederations Cup in 2022, propelling them into the world’s top ten teams, eventually reaching sixth place. Their rise was bolstered by key players such as Bilal Bakkali, Sofiane Charraoui, and Sofiane El Mesrar, whose contributions during CAN 2024 were highlighted by FIFA.
In April 2023, Morocco added the Rabat International Tournament title to their collection. With silver medals from 2000 and bronze in 2004 and 2006, they have now won the CAN three times—in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
Aiming for further World Cup success
Hicham Dguig, recognized as the world’s best futsal coach for 2023 by FutsalPlanet, continues to build on Morocco’s success. He has emphasized that their triumphs are the result of years of effort and preparation. «Staying at the top of African futsal and competing in the World Cup since 2012 is no easy task. It shows that a lot of hard work goes into developing and renewing this discipline», Dguig explained.
He remains focused on Morocco’s aspirations for the upcoming World Cup in Uzbekistan, noting that CAN 2024 served as «a very good preparation for the next World Cup». He further praised the team’s intense training sessions, often conducted outside FIFA’s official dates.
As the 2024 Futsal World Cup approaches, Morocco finds itself in Group E, drawn alongside reigning champions Portugal, as well as Tajikistan and Panama. The Atlas Lions’ first match is scheduled for Monday, September 16.
