Morocco ‘have shown the way’ for Africa, says Herve Renard

Cote d’Ivoire head coach Herve Renard has described Morocco as the leading national team in Africa, pointing to the Atlas Lions’ historic performances at the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.

Renard, who previously coached Morocco, believes their sustained success on football’s biggest stage has put them ahead of their African rivals.

“I think Morocco today is the number one team in Africa in international competitions, and I don’t think anyone can deny that, especially when you are capable of reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup and the quarter-finals in 2026,” Renard said.

Morocco continue to set African World Cup records

Morocco made history at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of the competition.

The Atlas Lions went a step further in establishing their place among Africa’s leading football nations four years later by reaching the quarter-finals at the 2026 World Cup.

That achievement made Morocco the first African country to reach the last eight at the World Cup on more than one occasion, although their latest campaign ended with a 2-0 defeat by France.

“On the world stage, Morocco are the African team that have performed the best,” Renard added. “They have shown the way for other African national teams. We have to believe in the ability of these teams because there is enormous quality in African football.”

Renard praises Morocco’s football structure

Renard’s assessment is informed by his own experience with Moroccan football, having spent three and a half years in charge of the national team between 2016 and 2019.

He guided the Atlas Lions to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, ending Morocco’s 20-year wait to return to football’s biggest international tournament.

“I know Morocco well after spending three and a half years there,” he said. “I think they have a system and organization at the highest level. They lack nothing compared with the best national teams in the world.”

The French coach believes Morocco’s rise has been built on sustained investment, strong infrastructure and organisation rather than short-term success.

“Morocco understood things well and are on an upward trajectory,” he said. “Other African teams have to follow their example. It requires budgets and infrastructure, and Africa has to continue working in that direction.”

Renard wants other African nations to follow

Renard returned to Cote d’Ivoire in August for a second spell as head coach, more than 10 years after leading the Elephants to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title.

The Frenchman, a two-time AFCON-winning coach, also believes Africa has a new generation of players capable of competing at the highest level of world football.

He says the continent’s national teams can make further progress if their players are provided with the right structures, resources and belief to fulfil their potential.