Jamie Carragher backs Morocco to thrive at 2026 World Cup

Former England star Jamie Carragher has tipped the Moroccan to reach new heights at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, boldly predicting that the Atlas Lions will top a challenging group that includes five-time champions Brazil.

The global showpiece, to be co-hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico will feature an expanded 48 countries, with Morocco securing one of Africa’s automatic nine slots for the tournament.

The North African powerhouse are paired in Group C alongside record World Cup winners, Brazil, European side, Scotland and Haiti.

Morocco will open their account at the global showpiece in a high-stake clash against Brazil, followed by Scotland. The Atlas Lions will wrap up their group game against Haiti.

Speaking to The Telegraph, the Liverpool legend outlined his expectations for Group C, which also features Scotland and Haiti. Carragher believes the North African side will emerge as group winners, edging Brazil into second place, while Scotland are projected to finish third.

Carragher’s confidence in Morocco stems largely from their remarkable run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. That historic achievement, he argues, has transformed Morocco into a formidable force on the global stage.

He suggested that Morocco’s growing experience, tactical discipline, and belief in high-pressure matches could give them the edge in what promises to be a fiercely contested group.

Looking ahead to the knockout stages, Carragher predicted that Morocco would face Japan national football team in the round of 32, backing the Atlas Lions to progress. He then foresees another victory over Ecuador national football team in the round of 16, extending their impressive run deep into the tournament.

However, Carragher believes Morocco’s journey will ultimately come to an end in the quarter-finals, where they are projected to meet England national football team in a blockbuster encounter. The former defender expects England to edge that clash, bringing an end to Morocco’s campaign.

In a further prediction, Carragher hinted at an all-European final, underlining his belief in the continued dominance of Europe’s elite nations on football’s biggest stage.

Should his forecasts prove accurate, Morocco would once again capture global attention, reinforcing their status as Africa’s standard-bearers and a rising powerhouse in world football.

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