Mustapha Hadji names Morocco’s toughest opponents and calls for stronger centre-back depth

Mustapha Hadji believes Morocco are capable of beating Brazil and Argentina, but says France, Spain and England remain the three sides most likely to defeat the Atlas Lions.

The former Morocco international also identified central defence as the biggest weakness in Mohamed Wahbi’s squad, arguing that the team lacks sufficient high-level options in the position.

Morocco have established themselves among the leading national teams in world football. Following their achievements at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, they are seventh in the latest Fifa rankings, above established sides including the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and Italy.

Only Spain, Argentina, France, England, Portugal and Brazil are ranked higher, in that order.

Asked which three teams could beat Morocco at present, Hadji selected France, Spain and England.

“France are very difficult, and so are Spain, even though we beat them in 2022,” he said in a filmed interview with Kooora that will be published later. “The third team is England.”

Hadji, who represented Morocco between 1994 and 2002, does not believe Brazil and Argentina currently carry the same threat they once did. He feels Morocco have the quality to overcome both South American sides.

“Brazil no longer have the team they had in the late 1990s and at the beginning of the current century,” he said. “They no longer have Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Rivaldo. I do not see them as a frightening team at the moment. They have become an ordinary side that Morocco can beat.”

On Argentina, Hadji added: “They lost 90% of their strength after Lionel Messi retired. He used to do everything, from scoring goals to providing assists. I do not see the other players possessing the same outstanding level, so Morocco can beat Argentina as well.”

Hadji highlights Morocco’s defensive concern

Asked about the main weakness in the current Morocco squad, Hadji pointed to the heart of the defence.

“Central defence is a major problem,” he said. “We only have the pair of Issa Diop and Nayef Aguerd in that position, and the substitutes are not at the same level.”

The former Morocco star believes the squad needs greater depth in defence, similar to the options available in midfield and attack.

“There must be an abundance of good players in this position, as there is in midfield and attack,” he said. “I hope that in the future we will have six defenders of a high level.”

Hadji also acknowledged Morocco have missed Romain Saiss since the defender retired after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

“Yes, because he was a high-level player and a leader on the pitch,” said Hadji. “Now we have Diop and Aguerd.”