World Cup 2026: Ex-Morocco striker backs Atla Lions to win historic title

Former Morocco striker Abdelkrim Merry, popularly known as Krimau, has expressed strong confidence in the Atlas Lions’ chances of making history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, predicting that the North African nation can go all the way and lift the trophy.

The 1986 World Cup veteran believes Morocco’s impressive rise on the global stage, coupled with their recent achievements, has transformed them into one of the strongest teams heading into the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Krimau Believes Morocco Can Reach the Top

Speaking in an interview with Anadolu Agency, Krimau pointed to Morocco’s remarkable performances in recent years as evidence that the team is capable of competing with football’s elite nations.

“Morocco’s performance at the last World Cup in Qatar, along with the national team’s achievements in recent years, has made it one of the strongest teams internationally,” he said.

The former forward expects the Atlas Lions to reach at least the semi-finals and believes they have what it takes to challenge for the ultimate prize.

Tough Group Stage Challenge Awaits

Morocco begin their World Cup campaign with a high-profile clash against Brazil on June 13 in New Jersey before taking on Scotland in Boston and Haiti in Atlanta.

While acknowledging the difficulty of facing five-time world champions Brazil in the opening fixture, Krimau remains optimistic about Morocco’s prospects.

“Despite Brazil’s strength, Morocco still has a strong chance as it has star players and a strong squad,” he stated.

According to him, Morocco may require at least five points from the group stage to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.

Confidence in New Head Coach

The 2026 World Cup will be Morocco’s first major tournament under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who succeeded Walid Regragui in March.

Ouahbi earned promotion after guiding Morocco’s Under 20 side to Youth World Cup glory in Chile in 2025. Although only eight members of the squad that reached the semi-finals in Qatar remain, Krimau believes the new coach has assembled a team capable of competing at the highest level.

Blend of Experience and Emerging Talent

Krimau praised the balance within the current squad, highlighting the mix of established stars and promising young players.

He noted that a large portion of the squad featured in Morocco’s run to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final and believes that experience will prove valuable during the World Cup.

Among the key figures he identified were Girona midfielder Azzedine Ounahi, Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui and Al Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. He also pointed to Watford youngster Othmane Maamma as one of several emerging talents being integrated into the national team setup.

The squad is captained by Paris Saint-Germain full back Achraf Hakimi, while Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz arrives at the tournament after finishing as the top scorer at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with five goals.

Teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has also been included after choosing to represent Morocco at international level.

Morocco Reach Historic FIFA Ranking

Morocco head into the World Cup on the back of another significant achievement after climbing to seventh place in the FIFA World Rankings.

The Atlas Lions currently hold their highest ever position and remain Africa’s top-ranked national team, ahead of continental rivals Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria and Egypt.

Their rise reflects the consistency and progress the national team has shown over recent years, strengthening belief that they can once again challenge the world’s best.

Arab Teams Capable of Surprising the World

Krimau also shared his thoughts on the eight Arab nations competing at the tournament, including Morocco, Qatar, Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Algeria and Jordan.

“Arab football has developed and Arab teams could make a surprise at the tournament,” he predicted.

However, he noted that Jordan may face a difficult challenge as they prepare for their first-ever World Cup appearance, while Egypt’s previous experience at the tournament could prove beneficial.

Expectations Continue to Rise

Morocco’s growing reputation has attracted admiration from beyond the football community. Recent predictions from prominent figures have suggested that the Atlas Lions could surpass their historic semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup.

With confidence building both inside and outside the country, Morocco will head into the tournament carrying the hopes of a nation eager to witness another memorable chapter in its football history.

The Atlas Lions begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey with a blockbuster encounter against Brazil on June 13 as they seek to turn growing belief into a historic achievement.