Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard backs Morocco to bridge gap with global football giants

Former Morocco head coach Hervé Renard has praised the remarkable progress made by the Atlas Lions, describing them as Africa’s leading national team on the international stage.

The French tactician believes Morocco have continued to narrow the gap separating them from the world’s elite teams, with their recent performances at major tournaments demonstrating the progress made by the North African nation.

Speaking to Canal+ Sport Afrique, Renard said Morocco are now only missing a small element to compete even more consistently with the biggest teams in world football.

“As I have said before, I believe Morocco is still missing just a small something, but the gap with global teams is shrinking—and shrinking more and more,” Renard said.

The former Morocco boss pointed to the national team’s impressive performances at recent World Cups, including their historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022 and their quarter-final appearance at the 2026 tournament.

“I believe that today, Morocco is number one in Africa regarding international competitions; no one can deny that,” he added.

Renard went further in his assessment of Morocco’s standing, highlighting the country’s ability to compete at the highest level while also inspiring other African nations.

“On a global level, they are the top performers,” he said.

“They have brought other teams along with them on their journey—one must believe in that. There is a great deal of quality in these African teams.”

Renard has first-hand experience of Moroccan football, having spent three and a half years in charge of the national team between 2016 and 2019. During his tenure, he guided the Atlas Lions to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, ending Morocco’s 20-year wait for an appearance at the tournament.

Reflecting on his time in the country, Renard said Morocco have developed a footballing system capable of competing with the best.

“I know Morocco well because I spent three and a half years there within a very high-level system; they have nothing to envy the best teams in the world for,” he said.

“It is a country that has understood everything to a large extent and is moving with upward momentum.”

The French coach believes other African countries can also make significant progress by adopting a similar long-term approach, particularly through investment in infrastructure and football development.

“Others need to follow this path; it requires budgets and infrastructure,” Renard explained.

He also stressed the enormous potential across the African continent, particularly among young players who continue to dream of reaching the highest level of the sport.

“Africa must push in this direction, because there is an entire generation dreaming of reaching the pinnacle of world football,” Renard said.

“They have the potential, but they must believe in it, and…”

Renard’s comments underline the growing reputation of Moroccan football, with the Atlas Lions’ recent World Cup performances helping to strengthen their position among the continent’s most competitive national teams.

The former coach believes Morocco’s progress can serve as a blueprint for other African nations seeking to improve their international standing through sustained investment, strong infrastructure and the development of young talent.