Wenger: Morocco's Level Rivals Top European Teams, Could Win World Cup in Next Five Editions

Legendary coach Arsène Wenger has opened a discussion about the competitive identity of the Moroccan national team, stating that the "Atlas Lions" have broken traditional rules of continental classification. Wenger believes that the rapid development and high level of professionalism in Moroccan football make it difficult to confine them to the usual African scope, suggesting they should instead be placed on par with the giants of Europe.

Analyzing the Moroccan national team's trajectory, Wenger affirmed that Morocco's current technical and structural standards place them in direct rivalry with powers like France, England, and Spain. Wenger based this view on the quality of their player development, the market value of their stars in global leagues, and their consistent results against top teams. He told Nigerian website "BSNSports": "Morocco cannot currently be classified with African teams. Their level rivals top European teams due to the abundance of stars, the market value of their players, and the quality of their performance."

The former Arsenal manager also highlighted an interesting tactical paradox: Moroccan tactics flourish more clearly in European football environments, where players find greater room for creativity compared to the complexities and specific conditions imposed by competitions within Africa.

Looking to the future, Wenger did not hesitate to position Morocco as the foremost threat to European dominance of the World Cup title. He added: "Morocco will be European football's biggest competitor in the upcoming World Cup. They can even win the World Cup within the next five editions."

This praise further solidifies Morocco's status as a major footballing power, especially after their remarkable run at Qatar 2022, making the ambition of a "global crown" a legitimate and realistic goal for Moroccan football in the coming years.