Wenger Wants Morocco Classified Outside Africa, Tips Atlas Lions As Future World Cup Contenders

Wenger Wants Morocco Classified Outside Africa, Tips Atlas Lions As Future World Cup Contenders

Sampson Adedeji

Legendary football manager Arsène Wenger has stirred fresh debate in global football discourse after suggesting that Morocco should no longer be viewed strictly as an African football nation, but rather be classified alongside Europe’s elite due to the country’s rapid footballing evolution and competitive level, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking on the rising profile of the Atlas Lions, Wenger argued that Morocco’s quality, structure, and performance standards now mirror those of major European football powers such as Spain, Italy, France, and England.

He pointed to the country’s growing pool of elite stars, high market value of players, and consistent performances on the global stage as key indicators of this shift.

“Morocco cannot currently be classified with African teams,” Wenger reportedly said.

“Their level is comparable to the major European teams because of the abundance of stars, the market value of their players, and the quality of their performances.”

The former Arsenal boss further noted that Morocco appear more comfortable playing European-style football, adding that the national team often performs better in European settings than in African competitions, where tactical patterns and game dynamics differ significantly.

Wenger also delivered a bold prediction about Morocco’s future on the world stage, tipping the North African nation to emerge as one of Europe’s biggest rivals in upcoming global tournaments.

 “Morocco will be the biggest competitor to European football in the next World Cup,” he said.

 “They could even win the World Cup within the next five editions.”

Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar already established the Atlas Lions as a global force, and Wenger’s comments further reinforce the growing perception of the country as a rising superpower in world football, capable of challenging the traditional dominance of Europe and South America.