2022 semifinalist Morocco has more to prove at this year”s World Cup

NEW YORK: (Jun 6 )  Legal disputes and acrimony have replaced the accolades and euphoria for Morocco’s national soccer team ahead of this year’s World Cup.

Morocco became embroiled in controversy after hosting the most recent edition of the Africa Cup of Nations — three years after the Atlas Lions made history by becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals.

Morocco’s astonishing run to the semifinals at the tournament in Qatar — with knockout stage wins over Spain and Portugal, with whom the kingdom will co-host the 2030 World Cup — electrified fans and galvanized support across Africa for the team.