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Rabat – Daniel Bertoni, a former Argentina football player, has joined a growing consensus that sees Morocco as one of the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
AFP quoted Bertoni as saying that beyond Argentina, he also sees France, Spain and the Netherlands as contenders.
In particular, Bertoni expects France to impress at this summer’s World Cup.
“It has enough quality to field two or three teams with the players it has. Then Spain and Morocco. The Netherlands, which nobody talks about, but which is a very well-built team. And England. For South America, Brazil and Argentina,” he explained.
This comes as several football giants and sports analytics websites have in recent days predicted Morocco to at least reach the semi-finals and potentially go all the way to the final to eventually lift the prestigious trophy.
Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, has also listed Morocco among the contenders for the upcoming World Cup 2026.
The coach made his remarks in an exclusive interview with Ole.
When asked if Argentina is among the 10 contenders, Scaloni emphasized that his team is part of the group that will be fighting for the title.
He stressed that there are around 10 or 12 national teams capable of reaching the final, including Morocco.
“Ten? I’m not even sure I didn’t fall short. Yes, because in the World Cup, of course, Argentina will be there. I don’t know if we’ll win it, but those ten or twelve teams will fight and try to reach the final. Spain, France, Portugal, England, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay too, Argentina, Morocco… I don’t even know how many I’ve mentioned – I’m already forgetting some,” he said.
He also listed Croatia.
“ I forgot Croatia! I forgot a few others too, but in the end, the World Cup- what can I tell you? It’s not enough to just play well or be dominant, or be a big national team- many factors have to go your way to make the path easier,” Scaloni said.
Morocco is in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Morocco’s opening game will take place on June 13 against Brazil.
Morocco gained its reputation following its historic World Cup run in Qatar. Morocco finished as a semi-finalist, becoming the first Arab and African team to reach this stage of the global tournament.
France head coach Didier Deschamps also named Morocco among the teams that could make a strong run during the World Cup. Speaking to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Deschamps said Morocco continues to improve and should not be ignored.
