RABAT — Morocco was swept by waves of jubilant celebrations on Thursday evening, December 18, 2025, as the national football team, the Atlas Lions, clinched the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Jordan after extra time at Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The triumph marked Morocco's second Arab Cup title, 13 years after their inaugural win in 2012, capping a remarkable year that also saw the squad lift the African Nations Championship (CHAN) trophy in August.
The final, played before a packed crowd at the iconic 89,000-capacity venue—famous for hosting the 2022 World Cup final—saw Morocco stage a dramatic comeback. Jordan took an early lead, but the Atlas Lions equalized before halftime and forced extra time with a resilient performance. Two goals in the additional period sealed the win, sparking immediate euphoria across the kingdom.
Players of Morocco celebrate championship title at the end of the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup final match between Morocco and Jordan at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar on December 18, 2025. The Atlas Lions sealed a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Jordan after extra time, lifting the trophy for the second time, 13 years after their maiden title in 2012.
State television and local media reported thousands of fans pouring into streets in major cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Kenitra, Fez, Tangier, and Tetouan. Cars honked in procession, supporters waved national flags, and fireworks lit the night sky. In Rabat, Anadolu Agency correspondents described packed cafés, fan zones, and spontaneous gatherings where chants of "Dima Maghrib" (Always Morocco) echoed late into the night. Similar scenes unfolded in Casablanca's bustling boulevards and northern cities, with families and youth uniting in celebration.
The victory resonated deeply in a nation passionate about football, coming on the heels of Morocco's historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run—the best by an African or Arab team—and their CHAN success earlier in 2025. Co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, the CHAN—reserved for domestically-based players—highlighted the depth of Moroccan talent.
Individual honors underscored Morocco's dominance: midfielder Mohamed Rabii Harimat was named Best Player of the Tournament, Jordan's Ali Olwan claimed the Golden Boot with six goals, and Moroccan goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid earned Best Goalkeeper accolades. The fair play award went to another team, rounding out the prizes.
Qatar hosted the 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup—the third time the Gulf nation has done so—from December 1 to 18, 2025, featuring 16 teams from across the Arab world. The tournament, revived under FIFA auspices in 2021 after a hiatus, promotes regional unity and showcases emerging talent. Lusail Stadium, along with other World Cup venues, provided a world-class stage.
Moroccan media hailed the win as a testament to the team's resilience and strategic depth under coach Walid Regragui, who has overseen a golden era. King Mohammed VI reportedly sent congratulations to the squad, a customary gesture reflecting football's cultural significance.
Social media overflowed with pride, with hashtags like #AtlasLions and #ArabCup2025 trending regionally. Fans credited the victory with boosting national morale amid economic challenges.
The triumph adds to Morocco's growing football legacy, positioning the kingdom as a powerhouse in African and Arab competitions. As co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal (with centennial matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay), this success fuels optimism for future global stages.
Qatar's hosting received praise for seamless organization, reinforcing its status as a football hub post-2022 World Cup. The event drew significant viewership, fostering Arab solidarity.
For Morocco, the double titles in 2025—CHAN and Arab Cup—signal sustained excellence, inspiring youth programs and investment in the sport.
