is a special SBS News series running in the lead up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. It looks at the 32 qualifying countries through the eyes of their fans in Australia.
Morocco heads to the FIFA World Cup this year with hopes of emulating its 1986 campaign in Mexico.
They didn't win the tournament, but did defeat Portugal to reach the Round of 16.
They were heady times for Moroccan football. Grouped alongside powerhouses Portugal, England and Poland, the Moroccans had every reason to believe their World Cup would be short-lived.
The 1986 Moroccan World Cup team Source: Getty Images
But strong performances which saw them achieve scoreless draws against the English and Polish would presage the nation's finest hour on the world stage when they faced the Portuguese in their final group stage match.
Morocco's Ambassador to Australia, Karim Medrek, told SBS News: "We keep the best memories about it. Portugal also keeps the best memories. We beat them 3-1."
"I hope we will do the same this year. Of course, all Moroccans are waiting for that moment."
Morocco's Ambassador to Australia, Karim Medrek. Source: SBS News
Morocco would top their group in '86, going on to lose 1-0 to eventual finalists West Germany. But the blueprint for success had been set.
Now, 32 years later, the North African nation is once again confident it can progress from an equally terrifying group that features Portugal, Spain and Iran.
The Atlas Lions, as the national side is known, qualified for Russia without conceding a goal and boast a team full of European experience.
Their danger man is Hakim Ziyech, the in-demand 25-year-old midfielder who plays his club football in the Netherlands with Ajax.
Hakim Ziyech during a game for Dutch club Ajax Source: Getty Images
And Morocco heads to Russia with more than just pride on the line
The nation is also anticipating the upcoming FIFA Congress in Moscow on June 13, when it will learn if its bid to host the 2026 World Cup is successful.
"This is our fifth candidacy to host the World Cup. It's a Moroccan candidacy, but also an African candidacy to host the World Cup. We believe that Africa deserves a second chance to host the tournament," says Mr Medrek.
The ambassador says he's not fazed by US President Donald Trump's veiled threats to nations that don't support the joint US, Canada and Mexico bid to host 2026.
"All this social media debate, shows that the candidature of Morocco is strong."
The 2018 FIFA World Cup begins 15 June. SBS will broadcast the biggest games, including the opening match, semi-finals and final, live, free and in HD.
