Morocco’s World Cup Prospects Soar as Group Draw Looms

Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia are all qualified for the 2026 World Cup. A first for the Maghreb. But they will certainly not be placed in the same group. The Atlas Lions may be better housed than their African neighbors. Algeria (38th place in the FIFA ranking), which has secured its historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a twelve-year absence, could be placed in pot 4 of this draw, with a major European or South American team, completed by Germany and another top African selection (unless nations from the same continent cannot face each other in the first round), analyzes football365.fr.

The first pot should be composed of the usual heavyweights: Spain, France, Argentina, England, Portugal, Brazil, the Netherlands, Belgium and Croatia, plus the three host countries (United States, Canada, Mexico). Morocco (12th in the FIFA ranking) could find itself in pot 2. This one should bring together nations like Germany (currently 12th in the world), Senegal, Denmark or Switzerland. Opponents who, in other circumstances, would be designated as favorites. But Moroccan football has progressed in recent years and has even gained momentum. In 2022, Morocco became the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup. Assets that the kingdom has more than its neighbors.

The draw for this World Cup scheduled for December 5 in Washington DC could smile on Achraf Hakimi and his teammates.