Toni Kroos Stuns Football World: Morocco Could Win the 2026 World Cup, Says Real Madrid Legend
Breaking News: In a stunning revelation that’s sending ripples through the football community, former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has declared Morocco a legitimate contender – even a potential winner – of the 2026 World Cup. The unexpected endorsement, made during a joint interview with Brazilian icon Romario, challenges conventional wisdom and elevates Morocco’s status on the global stage. This is a developing story, optimized for Google News and SEO to bring you the latest updates instantly.
Kroos’ Bold Prediction: Why Morocco?
“A surprise. I would say Morocco,” Kroos stated with a smile, playfully adding, “Sorry, I’m not saying Brazil now – but if Brazil wins, that’s okay with me, right?” The 2014 World Cup winner included Morocco alongside established powerhouses like Spain, Portugal, and France as his top picks for the tournament, which will be hosted across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Kroos isn’t simply offering a polite nod to a rising team. He believes the “Lions of Atlas” possess the technical skill and rapidly improving form to make a deep run – potentially all the way to lifting the trophy. He specifically pointed to their historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as evidence of their potential. “They are technically strong. They have enormously improved in recent years,” Kroos explained.
Morocco’s Current Form & The Africa Cup of Nations Context
The timing of Kroos’ endorsement is particularly noteworthy. While currently competing in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (the second time hosting since 1988), the team faced criticism after a 1-1 draw against Mali, with some fans even voicing their displeasure. This makes Kroos’ vote of confidence a significant boost for both the team and head coach Walid Regragui.
The Africa Cup of Nations, featuring 24 nations battling for supremacy across six cities and nine stadiums, is underway until January 18th. The tournament structure sees the top two teams from each of the six groups, plus the four best third-placed teams, advancing to the knockout stages. For viewers in Germany, Sportdigital is broadcasting all 52 matches live, with the final from Rabat also available for free on YouTube.
Morocco’s Rise: From Underdog to Global Contender
Morocco’s journey to becoming a footballing force hasn’t been overnight. Their 2022 World Cup run, becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals, was a watershed moment. This success wasn’t a fluke; it was built on a strategic blend of European-based talent and a strong domestic league, coupled with a tactical approach emphasizing defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks.
Historically, African teams have often been underestimated on the world stage. However, Morocco’s performance, and the growing investment in football infrastructure across the continent, is challenging that perception. The 2026 World Cup, with its expanded format (48 teams), could provide even more opportunities for African nations to showcase their talent.
What Does This Mean for the 2026 World Cup?
Kroos’ prediction throws another fascinating element into the mix for the 2026 tournament. While Brazil, Argentina, France, and England are consistently considered favorites, Morocco’s potential adds a layer of unpredictability. The North American tournament promises to be the biggest and most diverse World Cup in history, and Morocco’s inclusion in the conversation highlights the increasingly global nature of the beautiful game.
The football world will be watching closely to see if Kroos’ bold prediction comes to fruition. For now, it’s a testament to Morocco’s progress and a reminder that in football, anything is possible. Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest updates, in-depth analysis, and breaking sports news as we count down to the 2026 World Cup.
