Sport Newspaper Highlights 'Atlas Lions': After Qatar 2022 Success, Morocco Bets on New Golden Generation for World Cup
Spanish newspaper “Sport” published an extensive report on the Moroccan national team, asserting that the “Atlas Lions” are moving towards a new phase following their historic achievement at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, with a strong ambition to solidify their position among global football powers in the upcoming World Cup.
The newspaper explained that the Moroccan squad for the 2026 World Cup is among the most anticipated, not only due to the presence of established names but also because of the growing interest in young talents whom the technical staff may rely on as part of a team rebuilding and development project.
The report confirmed that the Moroccan national team enters this new phase with a group of players considered key pillars, including Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, and Abde Ezzalzouli, alongside Yassine Bounou, Nayef Aguerd, and Brahim Díaz, who are expected to play a pivotal role in this edition.
Conversely, the report noted the absence of prominent players such as Youssef En-Nesyri, Ilias Bennani, Ilias Akhomach, and Sofiane Boufal, reflecting the beginning of a transitional phase within the national team.
Despite this, “Sport” emphasized that the greatest focus is on the new generation of rising talents, who are expected to provide a strong boost in the near future, through promising names who have excelled in Europe.
Among these talents, Samir El Mourabit, the Strasbourg midfielder, stands out, having delivered an excellent season in the French league and established himself as one of the most prominent rising talents in his position.
The report also highlighted Ayoub Bouaddi, the young Lille player, who caught attention with his strong performance despite his young age, in addition to Yassine Jassim, who is experiencing rapid development in his professional career.
It also mentioned Ayoub Amaymouni, who is characterized by speed, skill, and the ability to make a difference in the attacking line, considering him a model of the modern Moroccan winger.
The newspaper concluded its report by affirming that the Moroccan national team is undergoing an important transitional phase, based on blending the experience of star players with the ambition of young talents, in a project aimed at maintaining the “Atlas Lions’” position among the world’s top teams.
