Morocco’s U-20 women’s national team, the Atlas Lionesses, has made history by becoming the first Arab team to qualify for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, scheduled for August 31 to September 22. The team secured their spot despite a 1-0 defeat to Ethiopia at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, with their earlier 2-0 first-leg victory at El Abdi Stadium in El Jadida proving decisive.
This landmark achievement highlights the rapid rise of women’s football in Morocco, building on successes such as AS FAR women’s team winning the African Champions League and the Atlas Lionesses’ participation in the 2023 World Cup and the 2022 WAFCON final. The nation’s U17 women’s team has also represented Morocco on the global stage, including at the World Cup in India.
The success of the U-20 team reflects the effectiveness of the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF)’s strategic programs, which are closely aligned with King Mohammed VI’s vision for the growth and development of women’s football in the country. This historic qualification underscores Morocco’s emergence as a leading force in African and Arab women’s football.
