image: The only African countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 so far: Morocco & Egypt credits: DailySport, Facebook
Can Morocco win the World Cup?
After the Round of 32 dust settled, only two African teams remain on the global stage.
5 matches in, the Atlas Lions remain undefeated in regular play (3 wins, 2 draws), scoring 10 goals and conceding 4. Recently, the Moroccans became the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarter-finals more than once after surviving Canada.
Both teams now face the daunting tasks of eliminating two former world champions. The Atlas Lions face 2018 World Cup champions, France in their last 8 clash.
The French have never lost an official international match against the Moroccans (4 wins, 1 draw and no losses). In their 6 official meetings, France has scored 14 goals compared to Morocco’s 7. Their iconic 2002 World Cup semi-final meeting in Qatar saw Les Blues secure a 2-0 victory with goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani, ending The Atlas Lions fairy-tale run.
Ismail Saibari will be sorely missed; The 25-year-old attacking midfielder has been simply sensational for the North Africans. Coach Mohammed Ouahbi will try to create tactics to double up on Mbappe and prevent playmakers like Michael Olise from slipping passes to dangerous players like Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola.
image: Senegal forfeit the final. Morocco awarded a 3–0 win and crowned champions. credits: PurelyFootball, X
Can The Pharaohs dethrone La Albiceleste?
Meanwhile, The Pharaohs of Egypt continue to ride their luck and grind out results. Since the 1-1 draw against Belgium, Hossam Hassan’s team have flourished, securing their first-ever World Cup match victory since 1934. Lately, the seven-time AFCON champions progressed to the Round of 16 after knocking out the Socceroo’s in a penalty shoot-out.
The Pharaohs square up against the current world champions, Argentina in their Round of 16 experience.
The Argentines are still recovering from the trauma of playing a resilient Cape Verde. La Albiceleste will be hoping that their next opponents, Egypt will be less stressful. Argentina started the tournament by beating Algeria 3 -0 and have won eight consecutive FIFA World Cup matches against African nations.
Lionel Messi is in red-hot form and has scored 7 goals so far at the World Cup. Midfielders Hamdy Fathy and Emam Ashour must crowd the space just outside the 18-yard box to block Messi’s signature curling shots and passing lanes.
Egypt must rely on a compact defensive block and ruthless counter-attacks led by Mohammed Salah. Cape Verde exposed vulnerabilities in the Argentine backline, providing a tactical blueprint for Hossam Hasan.
Morocco & Egypt would have heard a few spectacular underdog stories – anything is possible on any given day in football – the ball is round.
