Could Morocco become a football powerhouse?

Could Morocco become a football powerhouse?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Morocco are currently ranked sixth in Fifa's world rankingsByCiaran KellyFootball reporterPublished4 minutes agoComments"Morocco have the potential to be a powerhouse of world football."It is a bold statement, but Neil Ward has witnessed the country's passion and plans first hand.The Welshman served as director of technical operations at the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF).He was in Rabat when Morocco became the first ever African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 - losing 2-0 to France - and saw how "it took over all the city right through until the early hours of the morning, with the king out celebrating as well".The Atlas Lions are now bidding to make history once more as they face France again on Thursday (21:00 BST) for a place in the last four.Whatever happens at Boston Stadium, it does not feel like the co-hosts of the next World Cup in 2030 are finished yet.History makers: the rise of Morocco FootballAttributionSounds'These people are serious and want to be successful'Simon Jennings knows that better than most.As well as delivering the Uefa Pro Licence and A-licence as a coaching educator, he was responsible for youth development across Morocco between 2020 and 2024."This is not an accident," he said. "It's a result of clear national ambition."Such ambition has come from the very top.There has been sustained investment in the game, which has been backed by King Mohammed VI.Significant sums have been pumped into a state-of-the-art training facility, a national academy, regional training centres, stadium redevelopments and thousands of amateur pitches."You need those top facilities for players in Europe who are used to it," added Ward."So when you come in and see a training facility of this calibre, it shows you these people are serious and want to be successful. "Tha...