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This content was machine-translated from the French version.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a new era for international football, with its unprecedented format featuring 48 teams spread across three host nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico. For Morocco, this tournament represents an opportunity to rise to the challenge of a larger-scale competition, having caught the world’s attention with their stunning run at Qatar 2022. The Atlas Lions, standard-bearers for Africa, have proven their ability to compete with the continent’s best teams, and their return in 2026 could be even more significant, especially if the African qualifiers follow their usual pattern of strong home form.
Morocco is not merely a passive participant in this competition. Their run to the quarter-finals in 2022 has redefined expectations for African teams, demonstrating that tactical discipline, team unity and the ability to adapt to challenging pitches can turn the tables against football’s giants. Whilst international stars come and go, Morocco’s managers will have to strike a balance between preserving the current golden generation and integrating promising young players from the academies. The rise of African teams, such as Egypt and Nigeria, adds an element of tension to the qualifying process, where every match counts in determining the permanent World Cup qualifiers.
Whilst international stars come and go, Morocco’s managers will have to strike a balance between preserving the current golden generation and integrating promising young players from the academies.
From a technical perspective, the expanded 48-team format, with extended group stages, could benefit sub-Saharan Africa, which enjoys greater access to the tournament. However, this also places increasing logistical and financial demands on less well-resourced football associations. Morocco, which already has experience in organising international events such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, could play a key role in coordinating matches, whilst drawing on its enhanced infrastructure to attract supporters to cities such as Casablanca and Rabat.
The challenge for the Atlas Lions lies in their ability to maintain their rock-solid identity, despite the squad’s expansion. Africa’s rise to prominence, with teams such as Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, is creating not only a historic rivalry but also increased pressure to stay at the top. Morocco will have to strike a balance between preserving its core squad and integrating emerging talent, whilst adapting its style of play to the demands of a World Cup where every second counts. The 2026 World Cup could thus become a springboard for a new era in African football, in which Morocco, with its values of hard work and solidarity, remains an indispensable pillar.