The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued an official statement regarding Morocco ahead of their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Morocco is one of ten African nations set to compete in the expanded 48-team tournament, marking a significant milestone for the continent.
Morocco's World Cup Qualification
The Atlas Lions secured their spot with an impeccable qualifying campaign in Group E, which also included Zambia, Congo Republic, Niger, Tanzania, and Eritrea (which withdrew). Morocco played eight matches after Eritrea's withdrawal and won all of them, scoring 22 goals while conceding only eight under former coach Walid Regragui. Regragui resigned after losing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil, before CAF stripped Senegal of the title and awarded it to Morocco. Mohamed Ouahbi now leads the team to the World Cup, where they face Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C.
CAF's Statement on Morocco
CAF published a statement on its website praising Morocco as the continent's pride and backing them for further history at the 2026 edition. The statement read: "Their 2022 run was not only a Moroccan achievement. It became a continental moment, a campaign that gave supporters across Africa a sense that the barriers at the World Cup had been broken." Morocco reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African nation to achieve that feat.
Yassine Bounou's Leadership
Although some key players from the 2022 squad, such as Romain Saiss, Hakim Ziyech, and Youssef En-Nesyri, are no longer part of the team, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou remains a central figure. The 35-year-old, who plays in Saudi Arabia, expressed confidence in the team's quality and mindset. "The quality of the players is still there. The right mindset will also be there because it's a World Cup, and every player dreams of playing in it. For some, this might be the last one. For others, it will be their first time," Bounou told FIFA.
Controversy Over AFCON 2025 Title
Morocco heads into the World Cup as the disputed African champions, with a legal battle against Senegal over the AFCON 2025 winner ongoing. CAF previously released a statement on Senegal, acknowledging their claim to the title as well. The situation remains unresolved as both nations prepare for the World Cup.
Other African Representatives
Alongside Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Tunisia, Cote d'Ivoire, South Africa, DR Congo, and debutant Cape Verde will represent Africa at the 2026 World Cup. CAF's statement underscores the continent's growing presence on the global stage.
