Former Moroccan internationals say the national team’s depth across all lines, from goalkeeper to attack, positions the Atlas Lions to enter the 2026 World Cup with confidence and aim for another historic run.
Speaking after Friday’s World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, the former players said Morocco has the talent and experience to assert itself in Group C, which includes Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. Several noted that the team is capable of matching or even surpassing its 2022 World Cup performance, when Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals.
Moroccan football legend Mohamed Timoumi said the national team’s chances are “strong and solid,” adding that the current generation has earned global respect through consistent performances on the international stage.
Timoumi said Morocco’s success will depend on managing games wisely, maintaining focus in training camps and preparing well mentally, technically and physically. He said the squad has the quality needed to repeat, or possibly exceed, its Qatar 2022 achievement.
Former international Khalid Raghib said Morocco’s rising level makes expectations higher than simply reaching the knockout stage. He said the team must now preserve its status among the world’s top sides, especially with a roster full of players competing at elite club level.
Raghib argued that while Brazil remains a global football powerhouse, its current team “is not as competitive as before,” adding that Morocco has the tools to advance from the group in first place.
Hicham Aboucherouane echoed the confidence, noting that Morocco “no longer worries about its opponents” after finishing fourth in 2022. He recalled the 1998 World Cup, where Morocco pushed Brazil in previous meetings, and said the current squad includes players with the competitive level required to lead Morocco to the top of the group.
The former players said Moroccan fans have high hopes for this exceptional generation, adding that the national team is well-positioned to make another deep run. With Morocco preparing to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, they said the 2026 tournament offers added motivation to continue building momentum in Moroccan football.
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