Morocco’s Women’s Soccer Team Makes History, Faces France in World Cup Round of 16

In a short time, the Lionesses of the Atlas have made an impression. From their brilliant participation in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations to their historic qualification for the round of 16 of the 2023 World Cup, they have made history. These great achievements are the result of the investment - since 2017 - of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) chaired by Fouzi Lekjaa, the hard work of the players and above all the involvement of King Mohammed VI. The sovereign does not hesitate to encourage the Moroccan women’s national team. After their defeat in the final of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) against South Africa at the Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat, Mohammed VI had called the captain of the Lionesses of the Atlas on the phone to comfort her and congratulate the entire team.

"He [King Mohammed VI] said he was very proud of the team, don’t cry, we are happy for you," Khadija Illa, president of the National Women’s Football League, told CNN after the match. Our king doesn’t call everyone. This gives us a boost to know that the king is watching women’s football." This was the highlight of the winding career of Chebbak, who now inspires countless young girls in the Arab and Muslim worlds. The daughter of former Moroccan men’s national team player Larbi Chebbak, she was named "woman of the tournament" at the 2022 CAN. "I always think of my father and his advice, because he has always been my first supporter," said the captain of the Lionesses of the Atlas in an interview with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Tomorrow, Chebbak and her teammates will face France in the round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup. This unprecedented confrontation will take place at 8:30 p.m. local time at the Hindmarsh Stadium in the Australian city of Adelaide. The Lionesses of the Atlas, novices in the competition, will seek to secure their ticket for the quarter-finals. As for the Bleues, they are aiming for a fourth consecutive qualification for the quarter-finals.