After finishing in the top four at the last Fifa World Cup in Qatar, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou wants the Atlas Lions to repeat the heroics.
The veteran goalkeeper who was a key cog in the team that lost to France in the semi-final four years ago believes they still have the quality to go far in United States, Canada and Mexico.
“The quality of the players is still there,” goalkeeper Yassine Bounou told FIFA. “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.”
Morocco is in Group C alongside record champions Brazil, Scotland and Haiti and Bounou honestly gave his verdict about facing these sides.
“Let’s be honest: there are teams that are bigger favourites than us. We, for our part, have been on this path of progress since 2022, so, let’s try to carry that on. After that, there’s no telling how far we might go.”
Unlike before Qatar, Morocco will feel more respected in 2026 following their trajectory since then.
They were the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 edition and also reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations early this year.
“We feel that we’re still respected, and that must give us confidence,” he insisted. “I think there’s a sense of belief that we perhaps didn’t feel before, as an African team.”
“At the 2026 World Cup, Morocco will make their mark on world football, once again.”
Bounou, a Canadian born wants to make the people of Morocco and Africa proud again by going as far as possible again.
“I’m sure the Moroccan people will be proud of and pleased with the team. Let’s hope we can pull off something really, really big again, just like we did in 2022.”
Morocco became the first African nation to break the quarter final jinx in the global event before losing to France 2-0 and Croatia 2-1 in the semis and third place play off respectively.