Marouane Fellaini backs Morocco to win 2030 FIFA World Cup on home soil

Former Belgium international Marouane Fellaini has backed Morocco to compete for the 2030 FIFA World Cup title, expressing his hope that the Atlas Lions can lift the trophy when they co-host the tournament.

Speaking to Egyptian broadcaster ON Sport, the former Manchester United midfielder, who is of Moroccan descent, praised the development of Moroccan football and the quality within the national team.

Fellaini believes Morocco have the potential to challenge the world’s leading football nations, although he acknowledged that predicting the eventual winner of the competition would be difficult.

“Any national team can win the World Cup. Morocco, France, Brazil, and other major teams all have legitimate ambitions,” he said.

“I cannot predict what will happen, but Morocco have a chance because they have very good players, and Moroccan football has developed significantly in recent years.”

The former midfielder also made his personal support for the North African nation clear, hoping they can achieve the ultimate prize on home soil.

“I hope Morocco wins the World Cup, God willing. Nobody can guarantee that in advance, but Morocco certainly have the quality and the opportunity to compete,” he added.

Fellaini explains decision to represent Belgium over Morocco

During the interview, Fellaini also reflected on his decision to represent Belgium instead of Morocco at international level, admitting that the circumstances surrounding his choice were different at the time.

Asked whether he would make the same decision if faced with the situation today, the former midfielder said it was difficult to compare the two periods.

“It is difficult to answer that question now because it happened 20 years ago,” he explained.

Fellaini recalled that Belgium’s national team coach approached him when he was just 18 years old, at a time when he was already playing regularly.

He said turning down the opportunity would have been difficult and maintained that he had no regrets about choosing Belgium.

However, he acknowledged the significant transformation Moroccan football has undergone over the years.

According to Fellaini, the national team’s development and improved performances have made representing Morocco an increasingly attractive prospect for players with dual nationality.

Morocco target another historic World Cup campaign in 2030

Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, becoming the second African country to stage matches at the global tournament.

The Atlas Lions made history at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

They followed that achievement with another quarter-final appearance at the 2026 edition, where France ended their campaign.

With four years remaining before the tournament arrives on Moroccan soil, the North African nation will be hoping to build on its recent progress and challenge for football’s biggest prize.

Fellaini’s comments reflect the growing confidence in Morocco’s ability to compete with the world’s leading national teams as they prepare for a historic home World Cup.