Prince Moulay Rachid Receives Morocco’s National Football Team, AFCON 2025 Finalists

Rabat — January 19, 2026

By High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid received, on Monday at the Palace of Royal Guests in Rabat, the members of the Moroccan national football team, finalists of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was greeted by the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa, the national team head coach Mr. Walid Regragui, and the players of the Atlas Lions, before posing for a commemorative photo marking the occasion.

A Royal Gesture in Support of Youth and Sport

This reception reflects the High Benevolence with which His Majesty the King has consistently surrounded Moroccan youth, and His steadfast commitment to supporting their development through sport. It also highlights the special importance the Sovereign attaches to the sports sector in general, and football in particular, as a key driver of excellence, unity, and national pride.

Royal Congratulations After the Final

Shortly after the conclusion of the AFCON 2025 final, which pitted Morocco against Senegal, His Majesty King Mohammed VI addressed a congratulatory message to the members of the national team. In His message, the Sovereign praised the Atlas Lions for their outstanding journey throughout the tournament.

Through their distinguished campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, the King noted, the national team “demonstrated that perseverance, seriousness, and team spirit are the path to achieving high performance,” and “presented to the world an example of what Moroccan and African youth can accomplish when they believe in their talents and abilities.”

A Vision Reflected on the Pitch

His Majesty further emphasized that the determination and heroic, honorable performance displayed by the team confirmed the importance of the Kingdom’s strategic vision of investing in human capital and modernizing national infrastructure. These efforts, the King noted, have proven their resilience and world-class level of preparedness, particularly in anticipation of hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

A Moment of Pride for the Nation

The reception of the national team by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid stands as a powerful symbol of national recognition and appreciation. It celebrates not only a remarkable sporting achievement but also a broader vision in which sport serves as a pillar for youth empowerment, international recognition, and Morocco’s growing leadership on the African and global football stage.