Casablanca – Spanish newspaper Marca has hailed Morocco’s performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the Atlas Lions are now winning “like the great teams” after reaching the quarterfinals.
In its analysis of Morocco’s victory over Canada, Marca said the national team can no longer be viewed as a minor or a simple tournament revelation, as was the case during the early stages of Qatar 2022.
“The evolution of this team was clearly on an upward line,” Marca wrote, adding that Morocco arrived at this World Cup as a side capable of going far.
The outlet argued that Morocco’s biggest strength is not only the way the team plays, but the way it now manages games with maturity and tactical intelligence.
According to Marca, Morocco have understood that winning a tournament requires more than good football. It also requires experience, control, and the ability to handle decisive moments.
The Spanish outlet said this is exactly what has been missing from several African teams during the tournament, pointing to Senegal’s elimination as an example.
Marca also highlighted Azzedine Ounahi’s performance against Canada, describing the midfielder as decisive after a quieter group stage. Ounahi scored twice to help send Morocco into the last eight.
The report praised his physical effort, tactical awareness, and finishing, noting that he once again looked comfortable in a World Cup knockout setting.
Marca also pointed to Morocco’s set-piece execution, describing Ounahi’s opener as a well-worked routine and stressing that in tight knockout matches, a prepared tactical plan can be “pure gold.”
The article concluded that Morocco are no longer only a team capable of troubling major contenders. With their quality and maturity, Marca said, they have become one of them.
