In a surprising assessment, Morocco has been named among the favorites to win the upcoming FIFA World Cup by a major British newspaper. The analysis points to the team’s historic semi-final run in Qatar 2022 as the foundation for this bold prediction.
The report highlights the Atlas Lions’ remarkable tournament, where they became the first African nation ever to reach the last four. Their journey included victories over established European powers like Belgium, Spain, and Portugal before a narrow defeat to France. This unprecedented success is seen not as a fluke, but as a sign of a team arriving at its peak.
Key to their favoritism is the core of that 2022 squad remaining intact and gaining valuable experience. The team is built on a formidable defense, which conceded only once in five matches before the semi-final, and a growing confidence in major tournaments. The cohesive unit, combined with the tactical acumen of coach Walid Regragui, is considered a potent formula for another deep run.
Furthermore, the article reveals that Morocco’s status is bolstered by what is perceived as a favorable draw for the 2026 World Cup. The expanded 48-team format is believed to offer a potentially smoother path through the initial group stages, allowing the team to build momentum.
While traditional powerhouses like France, Argentina, and England are still viewed as strong contenders, Morocco’s proven ability to upset the established order has firmly placed them in the conversation. Their blend of defensive solidity, world-class individual talent, and proven tournament mentality makes them a genuine threat to go all the way.
