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Rabat – Following Morocco’s commanding performance against the Netherlands in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, Inter Milan icon Javier Zanetti declared that the Atlas Lions are no longer tournament underdogs, but have firmly cemented their status as a global football powerhouse.
Sharing his tactical view on the high-stakes knockout clash, the former Inter Milan captain pointed out that the Atlas Lions’ triumph was the result of pure merit rather than luck.
Reflecting on the intensity of the game in an interview with ESPN, Zanetti remarked: “Morocco faced a tough match against the Netherlands, but they fully deserved the victory and managed to secure it.”
The legendary defender went further to explain that Morocco’s current success is not an overnight phenomenon, but rather the continuation of a golden era that began four years ago.
“For me, the Moroccan national team is no longer a surprise. We saw what they achieved at the last World Cup in Qatar, and today they are proving once again that they have become a true footballing power in the modern game.”
According to the Argentine legend, the maturity of the current Moroccan roster means their victories against traditional powerhouses are now entirely expected.
“They also possess players of immense quality and experience, which is why the results they are achieving are no longer as surprising as they used to be,” he further said of the Moroccan team.
The Atlas Lions will put that world-class quality to the test today as they face tournament co-hosts Canada in a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash in Houston.
Fresh off their thrilling penalty shootout victory against the Netherlands, Morocco enters the match looking to repeat their 2022 World Cup win over the North American side and secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
