CAF: Morocco Aims for New History at 2026 World Cup After 2022 Qatar Success
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has affirmed that the Moroccan national team enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals with high ambitions, fueled by their historic achievement at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where they became the first African team to reach the semi-finals.
CAF noted that the Atlas Lions are no longer merely a team capable of producing surprises, but have transformed into a respected footballing force on the international stage, especially after their significant progress in the global rankings, placing them among the elite national teams worldwide.
The Moroccan team will compete in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, commencing their campaign with a strong encounter against the Brazilian national team. This match will serve as an early test for the national squad's aspirations in the new edition of the World Cup.
Morocco relies on a blend of experience and youth, spearheaded by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who was one of the standout stars of the Qatar World Cup. Bounou affirmed that the team still retains the elements that forged the historic achievement four years ago, both in terms of technical quality and competitive mentality, emphasizing that the players enter the tournament with great faith in their abilities.
The Al-Hilal Saudi goalkeeper added that the World Cup represents a dream for every player, and the Moroccan team possesses the capabilities to continue developing and competing against the strongest international teams, while acknowledging that some teams are more favored to win the title.
The report also highlighted the importance of the collective spirit that distinguished the Moroccan team in Qatar, a point stressed by goalkeeper Reda Tagnaouti, who considered the cohesion among players and the positive atmosphere within the squad to be among the key secrets of their previous success.
CAF believes that Morocco's achievement in Qatar was not merely a fleeting success but marked a turning point in the world's perception of African football. The Atlas Lions proved that the continent's teams are capable of competing at the highest levels and reaching advanced stages of the World Cup.
The Moroccan national team hopes to replicate the bright image it painted in the last edition, relying on its strong character, defensive solidity, and the experience of several of its players, in a new attempt to write another chapter in Moroccan and African football history during the 2026 World Cup.
