World Cup 2026: Morocco - a lasting force, not a flash in the pan

As reported by a TTXVN correspondent in Africa, their slender 1-0 victory over Scotland temporarily lifted the "Atlas Lions" to fifth place in the FIFA world rankings, showcasing the immense improvement of this North African side on the international stage in recent years.

Nevertheless, Morocco's ranking was later adjusted when Brazil continued to impress at the World Cup. A 3-0 win for the Seleção over Haiti allowed the South Americans to leapfrog into fifth, pushing Morocco down to sixth in the world.

These events highlight the fierce rivalry among the top teams, where every match result can cause significant changes in the standings. With the World Cup in full swing, the point differences between the leading sides are extremely tight, making the race for positions highly unpredictable.

Still, analysts view Morocco as one of the standout stories of the tournament. Under coach Walid Regragui, the team has displayed consistent performances, excellent tactical discipline, and a determined fighting spirit.

Morocco's strong World Cup results have not only boosted their FIFA ranking but also underscored the enduring growth of their football program. Following their historic semi-final appearance in 2022, the team continues to demonstrate that past success was no fluke—it is the fruit of a long-term development strategy.

More important than any specific ranking position, their consistent presence among the world's strongest sides shows that Morocco is steadily closing the gap with traditional football powers. This achievement further cements the African representative's status as one of the most impressive performers at the 2026 World Cup.