Morocco's World Cup 2026 run is nothing short of remarkable. They've gone 34 matches unbeaten, a streak that includes a controversial retroactive win in the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal. This is a team that has been on a steady rise, thanks to the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI. The investment in an academy and a $65 million training complex has paid dividends, establishing Morocco as Africa's top-ranked side. The Atlas Lions have a competitive spirit and belief that sets them apart, and they've proven they can win ugly, as evidenced by their 3-0 victory over Canada in the round of 16.
What makes Morocco's success even more impressive is their ability to adapt and overcome challenges. In their opening game, they impressed by drawing with Brazil, showcasing their tactical prowess. They then faced Scotland and Haiti, winning in contrasting styles - a hard-fought slog against Scotland and a frenetic 4-2 victory over Haiti. In the round of 32, they were the better team against the Netherlands but needed a stoppage-time header to avoid elimination. Against Canada, they were eventually comfortable, but it wasn't a high-quality win. Despite these varying performances, Morocco has shown resilience and a never-say-die attitude.
However, there are concerns about their ability to perform against top-tier opponents. BBC 5 Live pundit Chris Sutton noted that Morocco was not at their best against Canada and that tougher tests lie ahead. He also pointed out that their performance in the first half against Canada was lethargic and that they might struggle against a team like France in the last eight. Yet, there's no denying that Morocco has a better chance to become Africa's first world champions than any other side in history.
The key to Morocco's success lies in their long-term investment and the country's commitment to football development. The academy and training complex have produced a generation of talented players, and the recruitment of players from the diaspora, like Hakimi and Diaz, has added depth and quality. Morocco's success is a blueprint for other African and Arabic nations, and it has given them a new aura of competitiveness and belief.
As Morocco continues its journey in North America, the question remains: can they go all the way and become the first African nation to win the World Cup? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - Morocco has earned the right to be regarded as a serious contender and a major footballing nation.
