2026 World Cup: Morocco, the outsider that everyone fears

Ranked 8th in the FIFA world ranking, the Moroccan national team approaches the competition with solid confidence. This privileged status follows an exceptional qualification phase during which the Atlas Lions won all of their matches.

On Bladi.net: 2026 World Cup: Morocco meets Brazil, an "explosive rematch" from the group stage

Placed in a group including five-time world champion Brazil, Morocco is seen as a serious contender for qualification to the final phase. The British media emphasizes that the national team will be particularly motivated to shake up the world hierarchy from the first round. Is Morocco a feared but "slightly overrated" country?

International observers, particularly in Scotland, are closely scrutinizing the Moroccan level of play. Tom English, a BBC writer, believes that securing a draw against this "solid" team will be a major challenge for the European nations seeking to reach the round of 16.

Although some opponents consider the quality of the Moroccan squad to be "slightly overrated," the statistical results command respect. Morocco’s ability to advance from its group at the expense of Scotland or Haiti seems to be in no doubt for many sports analysts.

On Bladi.net: Here are the next matches of the Atlas Lions

This summer tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will mark a turning point for the current generation of the Lions and likely a new coach. As a "hidden gem" of this edition, Morocco hopes to repeat its past exploits by prevailing against the giants of world football.