Morocco's Winning Potential in the 2026 World Cup
Former Moroccan national team player and ex-Wasl Club athlete, Bouchaib Mbareki, has expressed his optimistic belief that Morocco could clinch the World Cup title in 2026, which is set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Mbareki emphasizes that his viewpoint is not merely personal; it is also backed by global predictions and analyses from reputable institutions and media outlets. He highlights that the Moroccan team has undergone significant transformation, becoming more cohesive and robust since their impressive fourth-place finish at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Mbareki commented to 'Emarat Al Youm' that Morocco's journey to the semi-finals in Qatar was not merely a stroke of luck. Instead, it was the result of a long-term commitment, starting from youth levels and culminating in the team's current advanced stage. He pointed out that many international teams are now looking to adopt the Moroccan experience and emulate their successful strategies.
While major teams such as Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Spain, and Portugal are often favored, Mbareki asserts that Morocco is a strong contender for the World Cup title. He notes that this perspective is echoed globally, with major sports publications highlighting Morocco's potential to replicate their previous World Cup success.
According to Mbareki, the Moroccan squad possesses the necessary qualities to secure victories against any opponent in the tournament, displaying no fear in facing rivals. He also shared his hopes for other Arab teams participating in the World Cup, wishing them a dignified performance and noting that they are not merely there to participate but to compete and advance through the stages.
Sofiane Rahimi: A Key Addition to Morocco's Attack
Regarding the inclusion of UAE-based player Sofiane Rahimi in Morocco's squad, Mbareki praised his contributions to Al Ain Club, where he recently played a pivotal role in securing a domestic double. Mbareki noted Rahimi's emergence as one of the team's crucial players, asserting that his presence in the attacking line will significantly enhance Morocco's offensive capabilities. He also remarked on the competitiveness and development of the UAE league, which has become one of the strongest Arab leagues, showcasing Moroccan players in remarkable form.
Mbareki expressed admiration for the UAE national football team, particularly their recent performance in World Cup qualifying matches. He noted that, despite a strong showing, luck was not on their side, as minor details prevented their qualification for the World Cup. He emphasized the need for the UAE team to achieve stability in their coaching staff, as constant changes can create numerous issues, disrupting player cohesion and forcing the team to start from scratch. Mbareki believes that the upcoming Asian Cup will be a crucial opportunity for the UAE to build a young team, acknowledging that achieving results takes time and patience, especially with promising talents emerging in the UAE league.
Furthermore, Mbareki commented on the appointment of coach Mohamed Wahbi to lead the Moroccan national team at the World Cup, succeeding Walid Rekragui. He acknowledged Rekragui's monumental achievements but emphasized that football often necessitates change. Mbareki praised Wahbi's past successes with Morocco's youth teams and his familiarity with Moroccan football dynamics, viewing the Moroccan Football Federation's decision to support a local coach as a positive move to ensure continuity and success.
Finally, Mbareki anticipates that Morocco's toughest match will be against Brazil, given their talented roster and world-class coach Carlo Ancelotti. However, he confidently believes that Morocco has established itself as a formidable global contender, cautioning that Brazil will not pose an insurmountable challenge. He predicts that Morocco could either draw or win against Brazil and confidently expects victories against Haiti and Scotland, as the technical differences favor the Moroccan team.
As reported by emaratalyoum.com.
