Ismail Baouaf: Chilean World Cup Dream Realized and a Fresh Step Beyond Anderlecht

Ismail Baouaf's Chilean World Cup Dream Realized

Ismail Baouaf, one of the standout revelations of Morocco's youth at the Chile World Cup, helped the Atlas Lions clinch a historic world title—the first in the team's history.

As a defender, Baouaf achieved an unprecedented feat: he was never dribbled past during the tournament, earned a place in the Team of the Tournament, and drew special attention from Walid Regragui, the senior national coach who included him in the extended squad for the upcoming camp.

Baouaf spoke to Kooora about his memories in Chile, the emotions of receiving a royal and massive crowd welcome with his teammates, and the warm reception back at his Dutch club as well as resisting the lure of representing Belgium.

Can you take us back to the events and the world crown?

It was an unimaginable achievement to see Morocco crowned world champions; that alone sums up the value of what we accomplished.

It felt like a beautiful dream we all needed time to wake from and fully understand; beating giants like Brazil and Argentina, the kings of Latin football, and France with Spain in Europe was no easy task.

The Moroccan team earned the title and the world’s respect through the numbers and the performances.

Did you expect to reach this glory in this manner?

What I’m about to share may sound unbelievable, but it’s the truth: we met with our coach after the African title in Egypt, agreeing that Chile would be our redemption. Confidence ran high, and after we beat Spain in the first game, we knew the road would be smooth.

You defeated the giants of football... will this raise the value of Moroccan football?

Moroccan football has held a place among the elites for years; Chile wasn’t a prerequisite for that.

Our World Cup triumph and the federation president’s motivating speech inspired us; this generation broke barriers, and respecting opponents didn’t mean we bowed to them.

You stood out and earned praise that led Regragui to call you up to the Lions. How do you see that?

To be clear, one of the team’s strengths was that none of us chased personal glory or numbers; we played as a unit with the spirit of a group, and that’s what produced those remarkable results.

Personally, I’m proud of what I achieved in this World Cup, but the real pride is bringing the trophy back to Morocco.

What about the pressure to play for Belgium?

That’s in the past, and I won’t revisit it; my stance has been fixed from day one: to play for Morocco. Despite tempting offers to represent Belgium, my family and I refused. I left Anderlecht for a Dutch club to pursue a fresh challenge and avoid missing the World Cup with my country; it’s a decision I stand by. Today offers pile up, but I’m not rushing to accept them.

What does playing for the Lions mean to you?

Playing for the Lions is a dream I’ve had since childhood; I’ve always wanted to compete at the World Cup with Morocco’s senior team, and I’ll be ready whenever coach Regragui calls. For now, I’m savoring this joyous spell and hoping to add value to my club.

Currently I’m enjoying the happiness of this moment and I hope to contribute to my club in the best possible way.