Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou says he will be supporting Argentina for the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the Atlas Lions’ quarter-final elimination by France.
The experienced goalkeeper revealed his preference after Morocco’s campaign ended with a 2-0 defeat to Les Bleus, a result that brought another memorable World Cup journey for the African side to a close.
Despite the disappointment of elimination, Bounou insisted his support for Argentina is not connected to France ending Morocco’s hopes of lifting the trophy.
Instead, the goalkeeper pointed to his long-standing admiration for Argentina and his special connection with Argentine club River Plate.
Speaking in an interview with ESPN, Bounou wished Argentina well as they continue their pursuit of World Cup glory and praised captain Lionel Messi for his leadership during the team’s comeback victory over Egypt.
The Moroccan international highlighted Messi’s resilience after the Argentine star recovered from missing a penalty to help inspire his side’s qualification.
Bounou’s comments underline the respect he has for one of football’s greatest players and for a national team he has admired for many years.
His support for Argentina comes despite acknowledging France deserved their victory in the quarter-finals.
The Atlas Lions goalkeeper accepted that Les Bleus were the better team on the day, recognising the quality that carried the two-time world champions into the semi-finals.
Morocco’s defeat ended another impressive World Cup campaign for the North African nation, which had once again carried the hopes of African football deep into the tournament.
Bounou played a central role throughout the competition, producing several important performances as Morocco continued to build on the success of their historic run at the 2022 World Cup.
Although the tournament has ended for Morocco, the goalkeeper says he will continue following the competition with Argentina as his preferred team.
His affection for Argentine football extends beyond the national side.
Bounou revealed that he has a particularly strong attachment to River Plate, describing the Buenos Aires club as feeling “like family.”
The Al Hilal goalkeeper also admitted that playing for River Plate remains one of his career ambitions before he eventually retires from professional football.
However, he acknowledged that such a move would not be easy.
With a contract at Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, Bounou recognised that his future is influenced by factors beyond his own wishes, although he left open the possibility that a transfer could happen if the right opportunity emerged.
Until then, he says he will continue supporting both River Plate and Argentina from afar.
