Ryan Mmaee casts doubt on Morocco repeating World Cup heroics

Moroccan striker Ryan Mmaee has admitted it will be difficult for Morocco to repeat their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions compete in the 2026 tournament in North America this summer.

The 28-year-old forward, who recently won both the Cypriot league title and the Golden Boot with Omonia Nicosia, shared his thoughts during an interview with the French Press Agency.

“But who knows?” Mayi said while discussing Morocco’s chances at the upcoming World Cup.

“Expectations Are Much Higher Now”

Mmaee explained that Morocco’s remarkable achievement in Qatar changed the perception of the national team worldwide, making future success even more challenging.

“I think they have a good team, and there is a lot of talent in their ranks. What they achieved in the last World Cup was an exceptional achievement,” he stated.

The striker noted that repeating such a performance would be difficult because expectations surrounding the team are now much higher than before.

“In football anything is possible, and they may go even further, but the task will be much more difficult this time,” he added.

Mayi also pointed out that Morocco’s triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations means opponents no longer underestimate the Atlas Lions on the international stage.

Why He Chose Morocco Over Belgium and Cameroon

The forward also reflected on his decision to represent Morocco internationally despite being eligible to play for both Belgium and Cameroon.

“It’s true, we could have played for Cameroon and Belgium as well. I personally played for the Belgian national teams at all age levels,” he explained.

Mmaee revealed that his first call-up to Morocco came at the age of 18 under former coach Hervé Renard.

He praised the Moroccan football project, highlighting the investments made by the federation and the development of the Mohammed VI Football Academy.

“I saw how Morocco is making great efforts on both the financial and sporting levels to put players in the best conditions,” he said.

The striker also spoke emotionally about his connection to his Moroccan roots through his mother, describing the decision to represent Morocco as an easy one for both himself and his brother Sami.

No Contact From Morocco Since 2022

Despite enjoying an outstanding season in Cyprus, where he scored 23 goals to finish as the league’s top scorer, Mmaee confirmed that he has not had any contact with the Moroccan national team setup since before the 2022 World Cup.

Reports recently linked him with a potential return under Morocco coach Mohamed Wahbi, but the striker insisted he has heard nothing official.

“I personally do not follow the media, so I have not heard anything about all of that,” he said.

“If I were contacted, of course I would consider it, but so far there has been absolutely no contact.”

For now, Mmaee says his focus remains on resting before preparing for the new season, during which Omonia Nicosia will compete in the UEFA Champions League.