The Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, congratulated the Morocco national football team on qualifying for the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, praising the fighting spirit displayed by the “Atlas Lions” throughout their campaign.

The Morocco national football team, fourth in the last edition, eliminated their Dutch counterparts and advanced to the Round of 16 after a 3–2 penalty shootout victory following a 1–1 draw after regular and extra time, in Monterrey, Mexico, during the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved the fifth penalty from Crysencio Summerville, before Ismael Saibari, the tournament’s top scorer, converted the decisive final penalty, sealing victory for the “Atlas Lions.”

The “Lions” regained their composure amid chants from their supporters and the Mexican crowd, who shouted “Ole, Ole” and “Marouikos, Marouikos” (“Morocco, Morocco”).

Mohammed bin Rashid.

Bin Rashid: An Arab Dazzler on the World Stage

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum posted a message on his “X” account, congratulating the Morocco national football team on reaching the Round of 16 of the World Cup finals, saying: “Congratulations to the Atlas Lions for reaching the Round of 16… a fighting spirit… a decisive match… an Arab dazzler on the world stage,” in reference to the team’s standout performance on the global stage.

He added on his “X” account: “Our joy today is Moroccan… Congratulations to the people of Morocco, the King of Morocco, and the Moroccan team,” expressing Arab pride in the achievement of the Morocco national football team at the current World Cup.

The Emirati congratulations highlighted the extent of broad Arab support and engagement with the Moroccan team’s journey, which continues to add new chapters to Arab football excellence on the international stage.