President of the Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, Gianni Infantino has identified Morocco as one of the leading contenders for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing strong belief in the North African nation’s ability to compete for football’s biggest prize.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the largest edition in the history of the tournament. For the first time, 48 countries will participate, expanding opportunities for nations across all confederations. Africa will be allocated nine automatic qualification slots, and Morocco have already secured their place among the continent’s representatives.
Morocco’s qualification further confirms their status as one of Africa’s most consistent and competitive football nations in recent years. The Atlas Lions have built a reputation for tactical discipline, technical quality and strong mental resilience, qualities that have helped them compete successfully against some of the world’s top teams.
The North African side have been drawn into Group C for the tournament, where they will face a challenging set of opponents. The group includes record World Cup winners Brazil, European side Scotland, and Caribbean nation Haiti. The draw has been widely described as demanding, setting up a series of high-intensity fixtures from the opening round.
Morocco are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign with a blockbuster encounter against Brazil, a match expected to draw massive global attention. The clash will serve as an early test of Morocco’s ambition and readiness for the tournament. Following that fixture, the Atlas Lions will face Scotland before concluding their group matches against Haiti.
As preparations continue ahead of the tournament, Gianni Infantino has made a bold prediction regarding Morocco’s chances. Speaking in remarks quoted by FilGoal.com, the FIFA President said he believes the Moroccan national team has what it takes to win the World Cup.
“The Moroccan national team can win the next World Cup,” Infantino said. He pointed to Morocco’s success at both youth and senior levels as evidence of a strong and sustainable football system.
According to Infantino, Morocco’s achievements are the result of years of strategic planning and investment rather than short-term success. He referenced the country’s triumph at the Under-20 World Cup as well as their historic run to the semi-finals of the previous senior World Cup as milestones that highlight Morocco’s long-term development.
“The Moroccan national team won the Under-20 World Cup and succeeded in qualifying for the semi-finals of the last edition of the senior World Cup in an exceptional and impressive achievement,” he said.
Infantino further stressed that Morocco’s rise goes beyond individual talent, pointing to a strong football culture and administrative structure that supports growth at all levels.
“Morocco has not only developed the technical skills of its players, but has also reinforced a firm conviction that it has become one of the major powers in world football,” he added.
The FIFA President also praised the work of the Moroccan Football Federation, noting its commitment to grassroots development, infrastructure and talent identification. He highlighted the passion for football across the country, describing it as a key factor behind the national team’s success.
“The Moroccan Football Federation is working very hard, and all the people of Morocco love football,” Infantino stated. “I place Morocco among the top contenders to win the World Cup, alongside the usual teams that always compete for the title.”
Morocco’s growing reputation on the global stage was firmly established at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. During that tournament, the Atlas Lions made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. Their disciplined performances, tactical organisation and collective spirit earned admiration worldwide and reshaped perceptions of African football.
That historic run was not an isolated achievement. At continental level, Morocco have continued to perform strongly. They recently finished second at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reinforcing their position as one of the dominant forces in African football.
Beyond results on the pitch, Morocco’s success is rooted in sustained investment in football infrastructure and youth development. Modern training facilities, structured academies and a clear development pathway have helped produce players who are technically sound and tactically aware. Many Moroccan players now compete at the highest levels of European football, bringing valuable experience back to the national team.
The blend of experienced internationals and emerging young talent has given Morocco a balanced squad capable of adapting to different styles of play. Strong leadership, tactical flexibility and collective discipline remain central to their identity.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, expectations around the Moroccan national team are steadily rising. Infantino’s endorsement has further fuelled optimism among fans while also placing increased responsibility on the players to live up to their growing reputation.
For Africa as a whole, Morocco’s prospects represent more than national ambition. A deep run at the 2026 World Cup would strengthen the continent’s standing in global football and inspire future generations of African players.
Morocco will head into the 2026 World Cup not as underdogs, but as genuine contenders, carrying the hopes of a nation determined to make history once again.
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