Morocco was the only African nation to live up to expectations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the continent's sole representative to reach the quarterfinals despite the record participation of 10 African teams following the tournament's expansion to 48 nations, Spanish daily El País wrote on Monday.
The newspaper said Morocco once again confirmed its status as Africa's standard-bearer on football's biggest stage, recalling that the Atlas Lions were the second African team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, at Mexico 1970, before becoming the first African nation to reach the Round of 16 at Mexico 1986. It also highlighted Morocco's historic run to the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the deepest-ever finish by an African side.
While the expanded 2026 tournament had fueled hopes of a stronger African showing, El País noted that only Morocco advanced to the last eight. The publication described the Atlas Lions' campaign as particularly significant because it came under new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who was tasked with implementing a more attacking and direct style of play.
According to the Spanish newspaper, Morocco impressed throughout the tournament, opening with a strong display against Brazil before defeating Scotland and Haiti. The Atlas Lions then eliminated the Netherlands in a penalty shootout before beating Canada 3-0 to secure a place in the quarterfinals. El País concluded that Morocco's latest World Cup run further strengthened the team's credentials ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
