Luis de la Fuente believes Morocco could be one of the standout teams at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising the Atlas Lions as an “exceptional” side ahead of the tournament.
The Spain head coach shared his thoughts during an interview with RNE Deportes, where he discussed several national teams that could make an impact at the next World Cup.
Speaking about African teams, De la Fuente first spoke about Senegal national football team, noting that he had closely followed the last Africa Cup of Nations.
“I really liked Senegal,” the Spanish coach said, before turning his attention to the Atlas Lions.
“But Morocco seems exceptional to me,” he added, suggesting that the team could once again surprise the football world on the global stage.
Morocco already captured international attention during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals and became the first African and Arab nation to achieve that milestone.
⚽️¿Cuál es la final soñada para Luis de la Fuente en el Mundial 2026? ¿Quién es el mejor portero del torneo? ¿Y la selección revelación?
🗣️El seleccionador de @SEFutbol se moja en el ‘Test Camino al Mundial’ de RNE Deportes 📋#MundialFIFA2026 #futbol pic.twitter.com/oy1hvWdBHq
— RNE Deportes (@RNEdeportes) March 6, 2026
Among the teams to watch
This is not the first time De la Fuente has spoken positively about Morocco. In a previous interview with the Spanish sports daily AS, he included the Atlas Lions among the strongest teams expected to compete for the title.
“No top teams will be left out, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, France, Portugal or Morocco,” he said, insisting that the next World Cup could feature one of the most competitive fields in the tournament’s history.
For the Spain coach, the growing level of international football means several nations now have the quality to challenge traditional favorites.
Morocco, now coached by Mohamed Ouahbi, will begin its World Cup campaign with a challenging group-stage schedule.
The Atlas Lions will face Brazil national football team in their opening match on June 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
They will then take on the Scotland national football team on June 19 at Gillette Stadium in Boston.
Morocco will conclude the group stage against Haiti on June 24 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
Led by world-class players such as Achraf Hakimi, the Atlas Lions will aim to build on the momentum of their historic 2022 World Cup run and once again compete with the world’s top football nations.
With the tournament drawing closer, there are raised expectations that the Atlas Lions could once again make headlines at the World Cup.
