World Cup 2026: Morocco is ready to embrace the challenge, says goalkeeper Yassine Bounou

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou believes the Atlas Lions are ready to embrace another FIFA World Cup challenge as they seek to build on their historic achievements from the 2022 tournament.

The experienced shot-stopper reflected on Morocco’s remarkable campaign in Qatar, where the North African nation became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup, inspiring millions across the continent and beyond.

“In 2022, the atmosphere was indeed incredible,” Bounou told FIFA. “We were all determined to make our mark on the history of Moroccan and African football.”

Morocco’s success four years ago was built on a disciplined defensive structure that frustrated some of the world’s biggest football nations.

At the heart of that resilience was Bounou, whose performances earned widespread praise as the Atlas Lions recorded memorable victories on their way to an unprecedented semi-final appearance.

The goalkeeper remains a key figure in the national team setup heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Since the conclusion of the 2022 tournament, Bounou has maintained an impressive level of consistency for Morocco, conceding just 14 goals in his last 37 international appearances.

The statistic translates to an outstanding average of only 0.37 goals conceded per match, underlining his importance to the team.

Now 35 years old, the Al Hilal goalkeeper brings valuable experience and leadership to a squad that will face a demanding test in the group stage.

His calm presence and ability to perform under pressure are expected to play a crucial role as Morocco seek another deep run at football’s biggest tournament.

Bounou believes his experience accumulated over recent years has strengthened him mentally ahead of what could be another defining chapter in his international career.

“I’m possibly a little better prepared mentally, thanks to my experience,” he admitted. “My main goal is to approach the competition with a real sense of enjoyment, to give it my all, and above all, to have no regrets.”

Morocco have been drawn in a challenging Group C alongside five-time world champions Brazil, European representatives Scotland and Caribbean nation Haiti.

The group presents a stern examination for Walid Regragui’s side, who will once again carry the hopes of a continent eager to see another historic World Cup campaign.

Despite the difficult opposition, Morocco enter the tournament with confidence after several years of sustained progress on the international stage.

Their performances since Qatar 2022 have reinforced their status as one of Africa’s leading football nations, while a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents has strengthened expectations surrounding the team.

With Bounou continuing to provide stability between the posts and Morocco drawing inspiration from their groundbreaking achievements four years ago, the Atlas Lions will be aiming to prove that their success in Qatar was not a one-off achievement but part of a new era for Moroccan football.

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, Morocco will be hoping that the spirit, unity and defensive solidity that carried them to history in 2022 can once again propel them onto the global stage.