El Moubarki says Morocco World Cup 2026 title is within reach after Qatar 2022 leap
Bouchuaib El Moubarki says Morocco World Cup 2026 title is attainable after Qatar 2022, highlighting youth development, cohesion and tactical growth.
El Moubarki casts Morocco as a serious Morocco World Cup 2026 contender
Former Morocco international and ex-Al-Wasl forward Bouchuaib El Moubarki told Emarat Al-Youm that he does not rule out Morocco winning the Morocco World Cup 2026.
He said this view is not purely personal, but reflects analyses and forecasts from several international media outlets and sports institutions.
El Moubarki pointed to Morocco’s fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as the turning point that changed global perceptions of the team.
He argued the result was the product of long-term planning rather than luck, and that the squad has since become stronger and more cohesive.
Qatar 2022 viewed as structural breakthrough for Moroccan football
El Moubarki described the Qatar campaign as more than a one-off achievement that boosted Morocco’s reputation on the world stage.
He credited sustained investment across age groups and a consistent philosophy that has carried players from youth teams into the senior national side.
The former winger added that other national programs have started to study Morocco’s model and adapt elements of its approach to talent development.
That international attention, he said, underpins growing expectations that Morocco can replicate or surpass its past success in 2026.
Technical strengths and squad cohesion underpin title argument
According to El Moubarki, Morocco now possesses the technical and tactical qualities necessary to compete with elite nations at the highest level.
He pointed to improved team unity, tactical discipline, and a generation of players comfortable in top European leagues as key assets.
Those attributes, he said, reduce the likelihood of surprise upsets and increase Morocco’s capacity to produce results against traditional powerhouses.
El Moubarki emphasized that the team no longer fears the stature of opponents and is prepared to face any rival with confidence.
Group-stage outlook: Brazil, Haiti and Scotland assessed
El Moubarki outlined his expectations for Morocco’s group at the tournament and identified Brazil as the toughest fixture on paper.
He predicted Morocco could either beat or draw with Brazil and expected wins against Haiti and Scotland, citing clear technical advantages.
His assessment balances respect for Brazil’s depth and world-class coach with confidence in Morocco’s collective progress since 2022.
El Moubarki’s forecast reflects a belief that Morocco’s tactical maturity will make it competitive in all three group matches.
Support for other Arab teams and regional competitiveness
Beyond Morocco, El Moubarki expressed hope that other Arab nations competing in the 2026 World Cup will perform strongly and aim for advanced rounds.
He said he expects those teams to arrive with serious intentions, not merely to participate, and to showcase substantive footballing quality.
The former player suggested stronger regional results would further validate development programs across North Africa and the Middle East.
He added that mutual progress among Arab teams could elevate the profile and influence of the region within world football.
Brazil seen as the toughest single obstacle on Morocco’s path
While respectful of Brazil’s pedigree and coach Carlo Ancelotti’s credentials, El Moubarki did not view the South Americans as an insurmountable barrier.
He described Brazil as Morocco’s sternest opponent in the group but stressed that Morocco’s balance and team spirit could neutralize individual star power.
El Moubarki reiterated that Morocco’s rise has changed how opponents prepare for the team, and that this tactical respect helps the national side enter matches on more equal footing.
His comments reflect a broader sentiment that the landscape of international football is evolving and that surprises are increasingly possible.
Morocco’s campaign for the Morocco World Cup 2026 will be judged on preparation, squad health and the ability to translate progress into results on North American pitches.
Supporters and observers will watch closely to see whether the structural gains El Moubarki highlights can deliver the ultimate prize in the summer of 2026.
