The Kingdom of Morocco which has been the rallying point for hosting various football events in Africa and the globe generally is aiming for more events.

The president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Fouzi Lekja has announced that the kingdom will bid for the next Futsal World Cup. His action stems from the performance of Morocco’s team at this year’s Futsal in Uzbekistan.

Morocco got to the quarter-finals. Lekja made the remarks at a ceremony held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Sale, the FRMF honoured Morocco’s national futsal team.

He praised the team’s performance and as he spoke about Morocco’s growing reputation in football. “Under the guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, we are making significant strides in football development at regional, continental, and international levels,” said Lekjaa.

He further urged futsal officials to develop a comprehensive strategy to elevate the sport, especially in light of Morocco’s upcoming bid to host the Futsal World Cup.

Hicham Dguig, the national futsal team coach, expressed gratitude for the support received upon the team’s return from Uzbekistan.

Captain Soufiane El Mesrar echoed these sentiments, speaking to the substantial resources provided to the team and the importance of continued progress to maintain Morocco’s standing in the sport.

As Morocco prepares to host major football tournaments, including AFCON 2025 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, its ambitions to host the Futsal World Cup further showcase the country’s dedication to cementing itself as a global football hub.

Nigeria did not make the cut as FIFA makes an inaugural Futsal Men’s and Women’s World Rankings. This could be due to the inactivity of the country in that aspect of football – the indoor soccer.

The FIFA Futsal Men’s World Cup enters its 10^th edition this year in Uzbekistan, but Nigeria had taken part only once in 1992 in Hong Kong.

The Nigerian team came last in Group A comprising of Argentina, Poland and Hong Kong after losing all three matches.

In contrast, Morocco are ranked Africa’s number one and sixth in the world. Thanks to their  recent victory was winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Futsal tournament, when they beat Angola 5-1 in the finals.

Among the top-ranked countries alongside Morocco are Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Iran, and Argentina. 

Brazil led the FIFA Futsal Ranking, followed by Portugal in second place, Spain in third place, Iran in fourth place, and Argentina in fifth place. 

 Morocco, in sixth place, is followed by Russia, Kazakhstan, Thailand, and France. 

FIFA Futsal Men’s World Ranking

FIFA Futsal Women’s World Ranking

The Atlas Lions of Morocco clinched their third consecutive CAF Futsal AFCON title following a stunning 5-1 victory over Angola in Sunday’s entertaining final.

A sold-out Prince Moulay Abdellah Hall witnessed Hicham Dguig write history by joining Egypt as the two teams to have won the continental championship on three occasions.

Goals from Soufiane Borite, Bilal Bakkali, Anas El Ayyane, Idriss Raiss El Fenni, and captain Soufiane El Mesrar were enough to secure Morocco the victory in front of their fans.

The hosts started brightly against the Sable Antelopes in Rabat, with Soufiane El Mesrar and Soufian Charraoui coming close to breaking the deadlock for Hicham Dguig’s side.

Backed by their vocal fans, Morocco scored the opener after 6 minutes through Soufiane Borite. The FC Kemi ace latched onto Raiss El Fenni’s cross to guide his effort into an unguarded Angolan goal.

The Sable Antelopes responded to draw level when Aderito Santo slotted in the equalizer with a composed finish at the back post.

The two sides continued to attack as they battled for the next goal of the match, and it was the Atlas Lions who grabbed it four minutes before the break, courtesy of Idriss Raiss El Fenni, to send the home fans into wild celebrations.

Captain El Mesrar gave Morocco a two-goal advantage just before halftime when he squared Bilal Fenni’s through ball.

Anas El Ayyane and Bilal Bakkali completed the Atlas Lions’ comprehensive victory with two late goals to secure their third consecutive title.

Morocco, Angola, and Libya will represent the continent at the FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan later this year.