Morocco Solidifies Global Football Status After World Cup Quarterfinal Exit

Moroccan media and international outlets are hailing the national football team's performance in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, even after their elimination by France. The consensus is that Morocco's historic achievement in Qatar was not a one-off success but the beginning of its ascent into the ranks of elite global footballing nations.

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The achievement in the Qatar World Cup was not just an exception, but the beginning of establishing Morocco's place among the elite global teams.

Analysts from Arab and European media agree that the "Atlas Lions" exited the competition with dignity and confidence, having reached the quarterfinals for the second consecutive time. This feat was achieved despite significant absences and injuries that disrupted coach Mohamed Wahbi's plans for the match against France.

Radio "Here Beirut" highlighted that Morocco emerged from the tournament stronger and more confident, signaling it is on the right path for the 2030 World Cup, which it will co-host. The station emphasized that the team has proven itself a true force in world football, displaying a strong character and winning mentality from the outset, including a draw against Brazil, a victory over the Netherlands, and a convincing win against Canada. France itself recognized Morocco as a tough opponent.

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The Moroccan national team proved it has become a real force in world football.

French newspaper "Foot Mercato" noted that Morocco leaves the World Cup with more confidence than regret, stating that the loss to France, a tournament favorite, does not diminish the significance of reaching the quarterfinals for the second time. The paper pointed out that coach Mohamed Wahbi had to contend with complex circumstances, including the absence of key players like defender Chadi Riad and the forced repositioning of Noussair Mazraoui, which impacted the team's defensive and offensive balance.

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The Moroccan national team leaves the World Cup with more confidence than regret.

French newspaper "L'Équipe" focused on the crucial absence of forward Ismael Saibari, whose injury deprived Morocco of a key attacking weapon against France. The paper suggested that the Bayern Munich forward, Morocco's top scorer in the tournament with three goals, could have altered the game's outcome had he been fit. Coach Mohamed Wahbi lamented the timing of the match, calling it "too early" for the player's return. British newspaper "The Guardian" praised Morocco's defensive resilience against France, stating that the "Atlas Lions" defense presented a complex challenge for the French team. Spanish outlet "Goal" concluded that Morocco could not be faulted, having been eliminated by a strong contender for the World Cup title. The outlet highlighted Morocco's strong performances, including the decisive win against Canada, and reiterated that Saibari's injury was the biggest loss for the team due to his significant technical value and crucial role throughout the tournament. International media readings collectively affirm that Morocco has cemented its position among the world's top teams.

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The match against France came 'too early' for the player's return.