Honestly, if you haven't been watching Morocco women's national football team games lately, you are missing out on one of the wildest transformations in global sports. It wasn't that long ago—maybe just a decade—that the Atlas Lionesses were barely a blip on the international radar. Now? They’re a powerhouse. They aren't just participating; they are hosting, winning, and honestly, scaring the traditional giants of the game.
The energy in Rabat during a match day is something you have to feel to believe. It’s loud. It’s intense. It’s a complete shift from the days when women's football in the Maghreb was an afterthought.
The 2025 WAFCON Rollercoaster
The 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was a massive turning point. Morocco hosted the tournament, and the pressure was through the roof.
The journey was anything but smooth. They started with a gritty 2-2 draw against Zambia on July 5, 2025. People were worried. Was the pressure too much? But then, they turned it on. A 4-2 win over DR Congo followed by a clinical 1-0 victory against Senegal proved they had the mental toughness to handle the spotlight.
The semi-final against Ghana on July 22, 2025, was pure drama. A 1-1 draw after extra time led to a penalty shootout. The stadium was holding its breath. Morocco won 4-2 on penalties, fueled by the heroics of goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi. While they eventually fell 3-2 to Nigeria in a heart-wrenching final, that run solidified their status. They showed they can hang with the best in Africa, even when the stakes are at their highest.
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Who is Pulling the Strings?
You can't talk about recent Morocco women's national football team games without talking about Jorge Vilda. Yeah, that Jorge Vilda. The guy who led Spain to a World Cup title before a very public and messy exit.
He took over the Moroccan side in late 2023. His "Vilda Method" is basically built on high standards and a family-like connection within the squad. He’s even learning Darija and French to communicate better with the players. It’s working. The team looks more organized. Their tactical transitions are sharper. They aren't just playing on heart anymore; they’re playing with a very specific, European-influenced blueprint.
Key Players Making It Happen
- Ghizlane Chebbak: The captain. The heartbeat. She’s the one who calms everyone down when things get chaotic.
- Ibtissam Jraïdi: A pure finisher. She has this knack for being in the right place at exactly the right time.
- Sakina Ouzraoui: Her equalizer against Ghana was the stuff of legends. She’s got pace that makes defenders look like they’re running in sand.
The 2026 WAFCON and Beyond
Looking ahead, things are getting even more interesting. The 2026 WAFCON draw just happened in Rabat on January 15, 2026. Morocco is the top seed in Group A.
The tournament is set for March 17 to April 3, 2026. This is the first time the competition has expanded to 16 teams. More teams means more games and a much harder path to the trophy. The Atlas Lionesses will be facing off against the likes of Mali, Egypt, and Comoros in the group stages.
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Wait. Did I mention the U-17 team? Morocco also hosted the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in late 2025. They made it to the Round of 16 before losing to a very strong North Korea side. This matters because the pipeline of talent is deep. The girls you see in the U-17 matches today are going to be the stars of the senior team by the 2027 World Cup.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Morocco’s success is just about being the host nation. That’s a mistake.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has poured millions into the infrastructure. They have the Mohammed VI Football Complex, which is basically a five-star resort for athletes. It’s one of the best training facilities in the world, not just Africa. They are playing friendlies against teams like Scotland, Brazil, and Cameroon. They are testing themselves constantly.
If you look at the results from late 2025, you see a team that isn't afraid to lose a friendly if it means learning something. They lost 2-1 to Scotland in October 2025. It wasn't a "bad" loss; it was a tactical experiment. Vilda is using these games to blood new players and test different formations.
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How to Follow the Games
If you want to keep up with Morocco women's national football team games, you need to know where to look.
Most major qualifiers and WAFCON matches are broadcast on beIN SPORTS or Arryadia (the Moroccan sports channel). For the 2026 WAFCON, CAF TV will be streaming many of the events live.
Tickets for home games in Rabat or Casablanca are surprisingly affordable, often starting around 30 to 50 MAD (about $3-$5 USD). If you ever find yourself in Morocco during a match, go. The atmosphere is electric, and the fans are genuinely some of the most passionate in the world.
Upcoming Fixtures to Watch
- March 17, 2026: WAFCON Group Stage Opener vs. Comoros.
- March 22, 2026: WAFCON Group Stage vs. Mali.
- Late 2026: World Cup 2027 Qualifiers (Dates TBD).
Actionable Next Steps
- Follow the FRMF on Social Media: They post behind-the-scenes content and lineup announcements that you won't find on mainstream news sites.
- Watch the 2026 WAFCON: Mark your calendars for March. This will be the ultimate test of whether the Vilda era can produce silverware.
- Look Beyond the Senior Team: Keep an eye on the U-20 and U-17 squads. Morocco is building a multi-generational dynasty, and the youth games are where you see the future stars first.
The rise of the Atlas Lionesses isn't a fluke. It’s a calculated, well-funded, and deeply passionate movement. Whether they’re playing a friendly in Tangier or a final in Rabat, every game is a statement. They aren't just playing for a win; they're playing to change the way the world sees African women's football. Keep watching. It’s only getting better.