Tarek Dhiab Backs Morocco to Reach 2026 World Cup Knockout Stage

Rabat – Former Tunisian international Tarek Dhiab is the latest figure to throw his support behind the Atlas Lions.

The Tunisian legend has expressed confidence in Morocco’s chances at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, backing the Atlas Lions to advance beyond the group stage despite a challenging draw.

The tournament will see Morocco compete in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland.

Speaking on the Saudi channel Riyadha Thamania, Dhiab said he believes Morocco has what it takes to navigate the group successfully. “Morocco is capable of qualifying from a group that includes Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland,” he explained.

His confidence in the Atlas Lions comes as Morocco enters the tournament carrying momentum from recent years, including its historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup. The Atlas Lions open their campaign against Brazil before facing Scotland and Haiti in a group that many analysts consider competitive aside from the clear South American favorites.

Dhiab did not limit his analysis to Morocco. The former Tunisian international also shared optimism about Egypt’s chances of progressing under the expanded 48-team World Cup format.

“Egypt possesses good attacking players such as Salah and Marmoush,” he stated. “They only need to win one match to qualify for the next round as one of the best third-placed teams, potentially facing Iran and New Zealand.”

The Tunisian also pointed toward Algeria as another Arab nation capable of making an impact on the global stage.

For him, “Algeria has a good squad and possesses a young team with great potential. We witnessed their performance in the AFCON.”

Yet Dhiab appeared less optimistic about the prospects of Tunisia, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, suggesting their respective groups could prove significantly more difficult and make progress way more complicated.

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, Morocco enters the competition carrying growing expectations. The Moroccan squad remains one of Africa’s strongest on paper, and Dhiab’s comments reveal a wider belief across the region that the Atlas Lions can once again become one of the tournament’s stories.