World Cup 2026: Salaheddine Bassir backs Morocco to challenge Brazil

Former Morocco international Salaheddine Bassir believes the Atlas Lions have the quality and experience needed to challenge Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that confidence and concentration will be crucial in one of the tournament’s most anticipated group-stage encounters.

Morocco and Brazil are set to meet in a high-profile Group C clash, a fixture that has generated excitement among Moroccan supporters eager to see their team build on the achievements that elevated them among world football’s elite in recent years.

For Bassir, however, the match carries an additional layer of significance.

The former striker was part of the Morocco side that faced Brazil at the 1998 World Cup in France, where the Atlas Lions suffered a 3-0 defeat. Nearly three decades later, he sees a very different landscape surrounding Moroccan football.

Speaking to MAP, Bassir acknowledged Brazil’s enduring status as one of the world’s football powerhouses but argued that Morocco now possesses the credentials to compete on equal terms with the South American giants.

“The levels have come considerably closer. Today, Morocco occupies seventh place in the FIFA world rankings, just behind Brazil, sixth. This reflects the place that Moroccan football has acquired on the international stage,” he said.

Bassir noted that Brazil remains packed with elite-level talent, even as the team undergoes a period of renewal and transition. He stressed that Morocco must approach the match with discipline and tactical awareness if they are to secure a positive result.

According to the former forward, the current generation of Moroccan players combines youthful energy with valuable experience gained in major European leagues and international competitions.

He believes this balance has given the squad the maturity required to compete against the strongest nations.

The 1998 World Cup veteran also highlighted the importance of experience within the current squad, pointing out that several players are participating in their second or even third World Cup.

In his view, that familiarity with football’s biggest stage could prove decisive in high-pressure situations.

Beyond Brazil, Bassir also assessed Morocco’s wider Group C prospects. He described Scotland as a difficult opponent capable of making life challenging for any team, while suggesting that a positive result against them could be a major step toward qualification for the knockout stages.

On Haiti, he urged caution despite Morocco’s status as favourites. Bassir noted that the Caribbean side qualified for the World Cup as group winners and has shown encouraging form in preparation matches, demonstrating attacking qualities that should not be underestimated.

Bassir remains one of Morocco’s most memorable World Cup figures. He scored twice in the Atlas Lions’ famous 3-0 victory over Scotland at the 1998 tournament, a performance that continues to hold a special place in the country’s football history.