Herve Renard names Morocco as Africa’s leading World Cup nation

Herve Renard has praised Morocco after analysing the performances of Africa’s teams at the 2026 World Cup, describing the Atlas Lions’ progress as a benchmark for the continent.

Renard is one of the most experienced coaches in African international football. He has managed five national teams from the continent and won the Africa Cup of Nations twice: with Zambia in 2012 and Cote d’Ivoire in 2015.

Africa had a record 10 representatives in the first round of the expanded 48-team tournament. Nine reached the knockout stage, with Tunisia the only exception.

Renard took charge of Tunisia during the competition after the Carthage Eagles suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat by Sweden in their opening match, which was followed by Sabri Lamouchi’s dismissal.

The initial results created optimism around African football and suggested that an increase in the number of World Cup places was beginning to produce the progress many had expected. That feeling was particularly strong after UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin had caused controversy by saying some matches were “without interest”, in an apparent reference to teams from outside Europe, including those from Africa.

However, seven of the continent’s teams were eliminated in the round of 32. Morocco and Egypt were the only sides to progress, before Morocco continued alone into the quarter-finals.

The Atlas Lions reached the last eight for the second successive World Cup, becoming the first African nation to achieve that feat.

Renard, who coached Morocco between 2016 and 2019, has consistently spoken highly of the country’s football development. He endorsed the performance of his former team and outlined what he believes has driven Morocco’s continued improvement.

According to the French coach, the gap between Morocco and many of its African counterparts is currently explained by differences in mentality, ambition and infrastructure. He also identified those elements as central to the North African side’s rise.

Renard prepares for second Cote d’Ivoire spell

Renard returned as manager of Cote d’Ivoire at the beginning of August and will begin his second spell in charge with two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches.

The Elephants will face Ghana in Bouake on 24 September before playing Somalia in Abidjan on 29 September. They will then meet Cameroon in a friendly in Abidjan on 3 October.

His return comes after a period in which he resumed his role with the Ivorian national team, having previously guided the country to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2015.