They have a plan, names, and a federation that's putting in the resources. Morocco is heading to the Esports Nations Cup with the ambition of becoming the continent's top esports power. But the path is lined with a very particular challenge: convincing its diaspora to wear the jersey.
It's on this momentum that Saad, tasked with scouting and recruiting national talent for the Moroccan Esports Federation since 2022, is now building the Moroccan delegation for the Esports Nations Cup 2026. A candidacy approved by the federation's executive committee with one ambition: not just to participate, but to make a real impact on the games they'll compete in.
The institutional machine behind the jersey
The Royal Moroccan Federation of Electronic Games (FRMJE) manages all national circuits and benefits from a recognized delegation model, working hand in hand with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication. In practice, this translates into equipping youth centers across the country with PCs and consoles, local activations around gaming content, and strong support during international competitions.
The federation is recognized by the national Olympic committee and operates under the oversight of several national ministries. When asked about the situation of the French delegation, paralyzed by internal tensions, ego wars, and the absence of unified governance, Saad's response is immediate: "That couldn't happen here."
On the sponsorship side, national esports benefits from the support of the Moroccan employers' association (CGEM) and multiple international brands. Saad also mentions the conditions the delegation enjoys during international tournaments premium accommodation and logistics handled by the federation.
Morocco is a hyper-connected country and its federation understands this, esports is a branding lever. And for Hicham El Khlifi, President of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Esports:
"The ambition is to become the epicenter of esports in Africa and a global reference within the next five years."
The selection game by game: between certainties and gambles
The Moroccan federation aims to compete in all games at ENC 2026. Six titles are reportedly already confirmed, while three are still under discussion: Honor of Kings, PUBG, and Dota 2. On EA FC, the situation is comfortable. Morocco is already qualified in the world top 32. Youssef Charif, who came through eBotola and then the Worlds, is the spearhead. Nassada, a talent spotted in Frankfurt, rounds out the picture. The momentum doesn't stop there: MarwanMC9 and Karimisbak, a Moroccan duo competing under the AS Monaco Esports banner, have just won the eLigue 1, the French EA FC championship. A victory that illustrates the depth of the available talent pool: regardless of the player ultimately selected — invitations for EA FC are limited to one player per nation — Morocco will have what it takes to seriously compete on this title.
Un article Royal pour un pays Royal, incroyable comme d’hab