Morocco boasts an impressive history at the World Athletics Championships, securing 33 medals over 19 editions: 12 gold, 12 silver, and nine bronze. Since the inaugural event in Helsinki in 1983, Morocco has only failed to reach the podium four times: in Stuttgart (1993), Berlin (2009), Daegu (2011), and Moscow (2013).
The country’s most successful outing was in 1999 in Seville, where Moroccan athletes earned five medals, including two golds from Hicham El Guerrouj in the 1,500m and Salah Hissou in the 5,000m, propelling Morocco to fifth place in the medal standings.
Morocco has consistently produced champions, with double golds achieved in 1997, 1999, 2001, and 2003. Notable stars include Said Aouita, Jawad Gharib, and Soufiane El Bakkali, all of whom have clinched gold in prestigious events such as the 5,000m, marathon, and 3,000m steeplechase.
Hicham El Guerrouj remains the nation's most decorated athlete at the World Championships, with six medals, four of which are gold. Soufiane El Bakkali follows with four medals, including two golds. As the reigning world and Olympic champion in the 3,000m steeplechase, Bakkali will be aiming for a third world title in Tokyo.
Nezha Bidouane also stands out, having won two golds in the 400m hurdles and a silver in Seville, solidifying her place among Morocco’s athletics elite. Said Aouita made history in 1983 as the first Arab athlete to win a World Championships medal, paving the way for Morocco to become a dominant force in middle- and long-distance running. Hicham El Guerrouj furthered this legacy with multiple world and Olympic golds, cementing Morocco’s standing on the global athletics stage.
At the 20th World Championships in Tokyo, Morocco will be represented by 20 athletes—14 men and six women. Soufiane El Bakkali is the nation’s primary hope for gold in the 3,000m steeplechase.
The championships will take place from September 13 to 21, 2025, at the Japan National Stadium, marking the third time Japan has hosted the event. Approximately 2,000 athletes from nearly 200 countries will compete across 49 events, including sprints, middle- and long-distance races, field events, and road disciplines such as the marathon and race walks.