‘Exceptional’ Morocco could be a surprise package at 2026 World Cup – Luis de la Fuente 

Luis de la Fuente has tipped Morocco national football team as one of the teams capable of making a strong impression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the North African side as “exceptional” ahead of the global tournament.

The Spain national football team head coach made the remarks during an interview with RNE Deportes, where he assessed several national teams that could influence the outcome of the next World Cup.

Reflecting on African football, De la Fuente first highlighted the quality of the Senegal national football team, noting that he closely followed the most recent Africa Cup of Nations.

“I really liked Senegal,” the Spanish coach said, before turning his attention to the Atlas Lions.

“But Morocco seems exceptional to me,” he added, suggesting that the team could once again surprise the football world on the global stage.

Morocco rose to global prominence during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals and became the first African and Arab nation to achieve that feat.

De la Fuente has previously spoken highly of the team. In an earlier interview with the Spanish sports newspaper Diario AS, he listed Morocco among the sides capable of challenging for the title at the next World Cup.

“No top teams will be left out, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, Portugal or Morocco,” he said, insisting that the next World Cup could feature one of the most competitive fields in the tournament’s history.”

According to the Spanish coach, the overall standard of international football continues to rise, allowing more nations to challenge the traditional powerhouses.

Now under the guidance of Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco will begin their World Cup campaign with a demanding group-stage schedule.

The Atlas Lions are set to open their tournament against the Brazil national football team on June 13 at MetLife Stadium.

They will then face the Scotland national football team on June 19 at Gillette Stadium before concluding the group stage against the Haiti national football team on June 24 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.