Madjer says Morocco ‘played with fear’ as World Cup comments spark debate

Algeria football legend Rabah Madjer has sparked debate across North Africa after claiming Morocco’s cautious approach was the main reason behind their 2-0 defeat to France in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The former African Footballer of the Year argued that the Atlas Lions showed too much respect for France from the opening whistle, allowing Didier Deschamps’ side to dictate the game before eventually securing a place in the semi-finals.

Madjer blames fear for Morocco’s defeat

Speaking on MBC 1’s Our Club programme, Madjer said Morocco’s tactical approach handed the initiative to France from the start.

“Fear is what made the Moroccan national team retreat, and when I saw the way they started the match, I said it was a bad start.”

He believes Morocco’s defensive mindset encouraged France to dominate possession and create the chances that eventually settled the contest.

“When you start the match defensively, you give the French team a signal that you are afraid of them, which gives them the opportunity to control, attack and look for goals, and they found them in the second half.”

Madjer added that the Atlas Lions should have shown the same confidence they displayed earlier in the tournament.

“The Moroccan team should not have been afraid, should have imposed its personality on the match, and should have played as it did against the Netherlands and Brazil, while acknowledging the strength of the French team, and that it was the most prominent candidate to advance.”

He also suggested Morocco reacted too late after France had already taken control.

“The Moroccan team only started to move in the second half, after the French team had the game in its hands and scored two goals, especially since it has two teams, one of which is the main team, and the reserve team is stronger than it.”

Knockout success questioned

The former Algeria striker also downplayed Morocco’s Round of 32 victory over the Netherlands, arguing that the Atlas Lions progressed only after winning a penalty shootout.

“If the Moroccan national team had lost to the Netherlands, we wouldn’t be saying this now, but they managed to advance through penalty kicks.”

Remarks draw swift response

Madjer’s comments prompted criticism from former Morocco coach Rachid Taoussi and ex-Tunisia defender Radhi Jaïdi, who rejected his assessment of the Atlas Lions’ campaign.

Both defended Morocco’s achievements, highlighting the team’s planning, tactical organisation and sustained development as the key reasons behind another deep run at the World Cup.

Despite their quarter-final exit, Morocco finished as Africa’s last remaining representatives at the tournament and became the only African and Arab nation to reach the last eight, further strengthening their reputation as one of the continent’s leading football nations.