Morocco football team world favorites 2026 World Cup

Now ranked among the world’s top ten nations, the national team is entering a new sporting era. This significant change radically alters how opponents perceive the team on the pitch. The squad has become the prime target of other formations, an unprecedented parameter that must be mastered. "Morocco is today a team that everyone seeks to bring down," warns Patrice Beaumelle. To remain competitive, players will need to channel this pressure without losing the vitality and hunger for victories that characterize their game.

On Bladi.net : Morocco ranked among favorites for world title

This momentum rests on the spectacular evolution of historic players competing in Europe’s or Saudi Arabia’s top leagues. Profiles like Achraf Hakimi, three-time Champions League winner, Yassine Bounou, who went from substitute to undisputed starter, or Noussair Mazraoui, illustrate this individual progression. To these names are added Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofyan Amrabat and Ayoub El Kaabi. The coach praises the continuity of a group that has maintained strong human values while integrating internationally scouted talent.

The foundations of this success were laid well before the Qatar epic, under the impetus of Fouzi Lekjaa. As early as 2016, the federation president clearly displayed his ambitions: preparing the team to win the World Cup. Despite glaring lack of success and controversial refereeing decisions at the 2018 World Cup in Russia against Portugal and Spain, the group had already demonstrated a strong technical identity. This learning phase greatly contributed to forging the character of the current squad.

On Bladi.net : Football: how Morocco has become the new global stronghold

Regarding the World Cup, Mohamed Ouahbi’s arrival on the bench, backed by his world title with the under-20s, guarantees a smooth transition. The former Angola coach is very optimistic for 2026, anticipating qualification beyond the group stage, even within a strong group featuring Brazil, with whom he just drew. However, he recommends not seeking to replicate the 2022 run at all costs, a mental injunction that could paralyze the collective, reports Al3omk. Only the desire to surpass oneself match after match will allow for another great run.