2026 World Cup: Moroccan Journalist Ahmed Talal Highlights the Atlas Lions’ Huge Ambitions
Invited onto the British podcast dedicated to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, “Make Football Great Again” Moroccan journalist Ahmed Talal delivered an in-depth analysis of Moroccan football, from its historical evolution to the ambitious expectations surrounding the Morocco national football team ahead of the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Throughout the interview with English journalist Harry Brent, Ahmed Talal reflected on the spectacular transformation of Moroccan football in recent years, stating that the Kingdom has entered “a new era” since its historic run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Morocco became the first African and Arab nation ever to reach the semi-finals of a FIFA World Cup.
“Today, Moroccans want to win the World Cup”
One of the standout moments of the interview came when the host asked Ahmed Talal who he believes will win the 2026 World Cup. His answer came instantly: “Morocco.”
According to Talal, this bold statement reflects the profound shift in mentality within Moroccan football since the historic campaign in Qatar.
“Before, Moroccans were simply happy to qualify for the World Cup. Today, we are only satisfied if we reach at least the semi-finals or the final,” he explained.
The Moroccan journalist believes this new winning culture is the result of the work carried out by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, massive investments in sports infrastructure, and the development of elite football academies.
A tribute to the history of Moroccan football
During the interview, Ahmed Talal also revisited several major milestones in the history of Moroccan football, reminding listeners that Morocco was the first Arab and African nation to participate in a FIFA World Cup in 1970.
He also highlighted Morocco’s historic triumph at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations, the memorable 1986 World Cup campaign in Mexico, and the legendary generations that shaped Moroccan football, from Ahmed Faras to Mustapha Hadji, along with the iconic stars of the 1990s and 2000s.
Ahmed Talal also paid tribute to the late Ahmed Faras, who recently passed away, describing him as one of the greatest strikers in Moroccan football history.
Walid Regragui, the man who changed Morocco’s mentality
Asked about the recent evolution of the Atlas Lions, Ahmed Talal praised the work of Walid Regragui, stating that the former national team coach profoundly transformed the mindset of Moroccan football.
“Walid Regragui changed the mentality of entire generations of Moroccans. Today, Morocco has a champion’s mentality,” he said.
The journalist also emphasized the key role played by Fouzi Lekjaa in modernizing Moroccan football structures, particularly through the development of academies, youth national teams, and women’s football.
Mohamed Ouahbi presented as the man of continuity
Ahmed Talal also spoke about the new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, whom he described as an ambitious and methodical technician with a Belgian football education and strong expertise in youth development.
According to Talal, the appointment of Mohamed Ouahbi represents continuity following the recent successes achieved by Morocco’s youth national teams.
Hakim Ziyech and Adel Taarabt: talent hindered by career choices
The interview also touched on several Moroccan football stars who played in the English Premier League, notably Adel Taarabt and Hakim Ziyech.
Ahmed Talal described Adel Taarabt as “one of the best dribblers in English football,” while suggesting that his immense talent was sometimes limited by issues related to maturity and career management.
Regarding Hakim Ziyech, he referred to questionable sporting decisions following the player’s move from Ajax Amsterdam to Chelsea FC, despite a period marked by winning the UEFA Champions League.
Full confidence ahead of the 2026 World Cup
At the conclusion of the interview, Ahmed Talal stated that Morocco now possesses a generation capable of competing with the biggest football nations in the world, thanks to players such as Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, Yassine Bounou and Azzedine Ounahi.
Speaking to British journalists, the director of Le7tv insisted on the unity that exists between supporters, media, the federation, and players around one common objective: establishing Morocco permanently among the world’s football superpowers.
“In Morocco, we work like one family. Journalists, the federation, players, and supporters all share the same dream: to see Morocco become world champions,” he concluded.
Abderrazzak Boussaid / Le7tv
