Football in Morocco: Passion, Botola Pro, & the Atlas Lions

Yes, football (soccer) is the undisputed #1 sport in Morocco.

Domestic League: Botola Pro

• Top tier (16 clubs); season Aug–May.
• Historic giants: Wydad Casablanca (most titles), Raja Casablanca (fierce rival), AS FAR (Army), Maghreb Fès, Hassania Agadir.
• Intense atmospheres; Casablanca Derby (Wydad vs. Raja) among Africa's fiercest.
• CAF Champions League regulars; Wydad (2017, 2022), Raja (1989, 1997, 1999) winners.

National Team: Atlas Lions (أسود الأطلس)

• FIFA World Cup: 6 appearances (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022 – Historic SF run, 1st African/Arab nation).
• Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON): Winners 1976; Runners-up 2004; consistent contenders.
• Stars: Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, Yassine Bounou, Sofyan Amrabat, Youssef En-Nesyri.

Culture & Infrastructure

• Street football ubiquitous; academies (Mohammed VI Football Academy) world-class.
• Major stadiums: Mohammed V (Casablanca), Prince Moulay Abdellah (Rabat), Adrar (Agadir), Ibn Batouta (Tangier).
• Women's game growing rapidly (AS FAR dominant; national team qualified for 2023 WWC).

Football is a unifying national passion, deeply woven into Moroccan identity.