2026 World Cup: Ex-Super Eagles star goes spiritual for Morocco, predicts huge finish

The Atlas Lions of Morocco have been tipped to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup by a former Super Eagles player, following their display against Brazil in their first group game, Soccernet.ng reports.

Mohamed Ouahbi's men came close to sealing a victory over the five-time FIFA World Cup winners, but Carlo Ancelotti's side held on after several attempts from Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari were denied by Alisson Becker.

Ifeanyi Udeze, who represented Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup, jointly hosted by Japan and South Korea, was impressed with how Morocco went about their business and has tipped them to go all the way to win the Copa Mundial.

Ismael Saibari celebrates during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco. Copyright: ImagoxAllstarxPicturexLibraryxLtdx

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Ifeanyi Udeze backs Morocco for World Cup success

The former PAOK defender named The Atlas Lions as the Brazil of the African continent, lauding their display in the Group C opening fixture.

“Kudos to the Moroccan team,” Udeze told Footy-Africa. They did really well yesterday against Brazil, playing out a 1-1 draw.

“Personally, I think Hakimi was right when he said before the match that Morocco is the ‘Brazil of Africa’.

“If you look at them now, it’s true. Morocco has really stepped up. They have a very good, solid, and well-organized team.”

Ifeanyi Udeze in action for the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Copyright: Imago

Quizzed about how far the AFCON 2025 Champions can go at the Copa Mundial, the 33-cap Super Eagles said:

“It’s great to watch and amazing to see Morocco transforming into such a powerhouse in African football.

“They have a fantastic team and they played brilliantly against Brazil. We hope and wish them all the best to go all the way to the semi-finals, or even the final, of the FIFA World Cup this time around

“While I know it will be a bit difficult, we are praying for them.

“It’s a good team with great players, and we want to see them go far in this World Cup. We just wish them the very best,” the two-time Greek Cup winner concluded.

Players of Senegal and Morocco during the AFCON 2025 final. Copyright: Imago

Morocco will play against Scotland and Haiti in their remaining two Group C games, but have already made a strong case for the next round with the draw against Brazil.