World Cup 2026: Morocco can deliver another historic performance – Yassine Bounou

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has expressed confidence that the Atlas Lions will once again capture the imagination of football fans around the world when they compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The experienced shot-stopper believes Morocco are capable of producing another memorable tournament performance, four years after their historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Speaking to FIFA ahead of the global showpiece, Bounou said the team is determined to make the nation proud and build on the achievements that elevated Moroccan football to new heights on the international stage.

“At the 2026 World Cup, Morocco will make their mark on world football, once again,” Bounou said.

“I’m sure the Moroccan people will be proud of and pleased with the team. Let’s hope we can pull off something really, really big again, just like we did in 2022.”

Morocco made history in Qatar by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of a FIFA World Cup. Their remarkable journey included victories over Belgium, Spain and Portugal before eventually finishing fourth after defeats to France and Croatia.

That achievement earned widespread praise and established the Atlas Lions as one of the emerging powers in international football.

As they prepare for the 2026 edition, expectations remain high among supporters eager to see the team replicate or even surpass their previous success.

The North Africans have been drawn in a challenging Group C alongside five-time world champions Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.

Brazil are expected to be Morocco’s toughest opponents in the group, while Scotland and Haiti will also be aiming to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

Despite the difficult draw, Bounou’s comments reflect the growing belief within the Moroccan camp that the team has the quality, experience and mentality to compete with the world’s best nations.

Several members of the squad that starred in Qatar are expected to feature at the tournament, providing valuable experience as Morocco look to mount another deep World Cup run.

With one of Africa’s strongest squads and a passionate fan base behind them, the Atlas Lions will head into the competition determined to prove that their achievements in 2022 were no fluke and that they remain a force on the global stage.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup presents another opportunity for Morocco to showcase their progress and continue writing new chapters in the country’s football history.