His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated the people, king, and national team of Morocco on qualifying for the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup.
In a post on his account on the X platform, His Highness said: "A thousand congratulations to the Atlas Lions on their qualification for the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup... a fighting spirit, a decisive match, and an Arab spectacle before the world. Our joy today is Moroccan. A thousand congratulations to the people of Morocco, the King of Morocco, and the Moroccan national team."
The Moroccan national team had continued its impressive World Cup 2026 campaign after securing its place in the round of 16 by defeating the Netherlands on penalties 3-2, following a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes and extra time. The match was a gripping encounter in the round of 32, hosted at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico.
The Atlas Lions delivered an outstanding performance, imposing their dominance for long stretches and threatening the Dutch goal on multiple occasions, before ultimately clinching a deserved victory on penalties to advance in the tournament amid widespread praise for the team's display.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also extended his congratulations to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the brotherly Moroccan people, and Arab fans on Morocco's qualification for the round of 16 at the World Cup.
In a post on his X account, His Highness said: "We congratulate His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the brotherly Moroccan people, and Arab fans on Morocco's qualification for the round of 16 at the World Cup. An honourable performance and high spirit that reflected the determination and resolve that earned this qualification. We wish them success in continuing this journey and achieving further accomplishments that bring joy to Moroccan and Arab fans."
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, also congratulated Morocco — its leadership and people — on their well-deserved qualification for the round of 16 at the World Cup.
In a post on his X account, His Highness said: "We congratulate Morocco, its leadership and people, on this well-deserved qualification for the round of 16 at the World Cup... an honourable performance, a determination that made the difference, and an achievement that brought joy to every Arab home. We wish the Atlas Lions continued success and the best in their remarkable journey."
Morocco's qualification for the round of 16 at the World Cup 2026 sets up a meeting with Canada in the last-16 stage, with the match scheduled for 9:00 p.m. UAE time next Saturday, while the Netherlands have been eliminated from the tournament at the round of 32.