2026 FIFA World Cup: Thierry Henry warns against underestimating Morocco

Former World Champion with France, Thierry Henry, has cautioned the rest of the world against underestimating Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nicknamed the Atlas Lions, Morocco have already booked their place at next year’s World Cup, topping their group at the end of the African qualifiers.

Their growing dominance on the world stage has drawn praise from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who highlighted their impressive progress during an appearance on CBS Sports.

“Don’t underestimate Morocco, they are very strong right now after winning the U20 World Cup! The 2026 World Cup promises to be explosive,” Henry, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, said.

Morocco’s rise has been remarkable in recent years. After reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the first African nation ever to do so, the Atlas Lions have continued to build momentum.

Recently, their U20 World Cup triumph also proved why the country has become a football powerhouse.

The team, led by Achraf Hakimi, recently set a new world record with 16 consecutive international wins, surpassing the previous benchmark held by Spain.

With the country also preparing to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, expectations are at an all-time high. Under head coach Walid Regragui, Morocco are now seen as a serious contender on the global stage.

It comes as no surprise that Henry now believes Morocco will be a force at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.