Morocco’s performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have impressed pundits across the football world and Nigeria international Nduka Ugbade believes the Atlas Lions are building toward something even bigger than their famous run in Qatar.
Speaking to Brila.net, Ugbade did not hide his admiration for what he has seen from Morocco so far.
“I’ve never seen that type of marking and reaction,” he said. “Very advanced. Tactically strong with correct passing accuracy. Before you do anything, they have closed up.”
He went further, comparing this current Morocco side to the team that stunned the world four years ago.
“They are definitely better than the last time,” he said. “They reached semifinals the last time, with this momentum, they will surely reach the finals this time.”
Morocco made history at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal after knocking out Portugal and Spain along their remarkable run.
Their starting point in 2026 has been just as impressive
The Atlas Lions secured their World Cup qualification by winning Group E of the CAF qualifying competition with a perfect record, sealing their spot with two matchdays still to spare.
Morocco opened their campaign with a result that turned heads everywhere, holding five-time champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their Group C opener in New Jersey on June 13.
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For a team many had dismissed as a one-tournament wonder after Qatar, it was a statement that they are not done making history yet.
Ugbade, a former Golden Eaglets captain who lifted the FIFA U-17 World Championship for Nigeria in 1985, knows what it takes to make history on the global stage.
If his prediction holds true, Morocco will not just be carrying their own nation’s hopes through this tournament, they will be carrying the hopes of an entire continent that has never seen an African team reach a World Cup final.
Whether the Atlas Lions can fulfil that bold prediction remains to be seen. But on the evidence of their opening performances, nobody in this World Cup wants to underestimate them again.
