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Morocco’s performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have impressed pundits across the football world and Nigerian international Nduka Ugbade believes the Atlas Lions are moving towards something even bigger than their famous run in Qatar.
Speaking to Brila.net, Ugbade did not hide his admiration for what he has seen so far in Morocco.
“I’ve never seen that kind of marking and reaction,” he said. “Very advanced. Tactically strong with correct passing accuracy. Before you do anything, they have come close.”
He went further and compared the current Moroccan team with the team that surprised the world four years ago.
“They’re definitely better than last time,” he said. “They made it to the semi-finals last time and with this momentum they will surely make it to the final this time.”
Morocco made history at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final after eliminating Portugal and Spain in their remarkable run.
Its starting point in 2026 has been just as impressive
The Atlas Lions secured their qualification for the World Cup by winning Group E of the CAF qualifying competition with a perfect record, sealing their place with two rounds remaining.
Morocco opened its campaign with a result that caught attention everywhere, drawing 1-1 with five-time champions Brazil in its first Group C match in New Jersey on June 13.
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For a team that many had written off as a one-tournament wonder after Qatar, it was a declaration 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 world stage.
If their prediction comes true, Morocco will not only carry the hopes of their own nation through this tournament, but they will carry the hopes of an entire continent that has never seen an African team reach a World Cup final.
It remains to be seen if the Atlas Lions can make good on that bold prediction. But judging by their initial performances, no one at this World Cup wants to underestimate them again.
