World Cup: discover the million-dollar project that "introduced" Morocco to football

Morocco, for the second time in a row, will compete in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, an unprecedented feat for African teams. This success on the field is the direct result of a high-investment project outside of it, which transformed the team from supporting players to protagonists.

Until the historic 2022 campaign, the Moroccans were seen as supporting players on the international stage, with only four appearances in World Cups and the 1986 round of 16 as the best record.

The structuring and strengthening of football in the country was led by King Mohammed VI, to whom player Brahim Díaz dedicated the victory against Canada: "First of all I would like to offer the victory to the majesty Mohammed VI for the support he gives us."

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State-of-the-art training and talent acquisition center
In 2019, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) opened the Mohammed VI Sports Center, near Rabat. With 35 hectares, the complex is used by the main and youth teams, both men's and women's.

The structure cost around 55 million euros (approximately R$325 million) and has 11 football fields. It also includes accommodation for base athletes, clinical space, a hotel and a luxury villa for concentration.

The center also aims to develop young people between 12 and 18 years old, offering pedagogical support with 10 classrooms and several classes for those welcomed.

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Another pillar of the sports project is the search for athletes who can represent the Moroccan National Team. Players like Brahim Díaz, born in Málaga (Spain), Hakimi (Madrid), Bouaddi (Senlis, France) and Issa Diop (Toulouse) are examples of this strategy.

The FRMF carefully analyzes each case when recruiting players, not just for the professional team. This approach has already borne fruit, such as the unprecedented U20 World Cup title won by Morocco in 2025.

In the group stage of the current World Cup, Morocco was part of Group C alongside Brazil, drawing with the Brazilian team in the debut and beating Scotland and Haiti.

The Moroccan team eliminated the Netherlands on penalties in the round of 16 and overcame Canada to secure their place in the quarterfinals.

Now, Morocco will face France, in a repeat of the 2022 semi-final, where the French won 2-0.

For the first time, the quarterfinals of the World Cup are without Brazil, Germany and Italy

This text was generated by artificial intelligence based on content produced by Itatiaia. All information is investigated and checked by journalists. The final text is also reviewed by the CNN Brasil journalism team.

Source: CNN