The Moroccan government has dismissed viral social media claims that the Atlas Lions do not represent Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the reports as false and misleading.
According to PulseSports, the controversy stemmed from posts alleging that Morocco’s Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, Chakib Benmoussa, said the national team was playing only for Morocco and not for Africa. The ministry denied making any such statement, saying there is no official interview, speech or verified communication supporting the claim.
In an official statement, authorities described the reports as fabricated and stressed that they do not reflect the position of either the minister or the Kingdom of Morocco. The government reaffirmed Morocco’s strong ties to the African continent.
The clarification comes as Morocco continues its impressive run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Atlas Lions have reached the quarter-finals, becoming the first African nation to qualify for back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals. Morocco will next face France in a quarter-final as they seek another historic achievement.
