Zlatan Ibrahimović has praised Morocco’s performance after their convincing 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, insisting the Atlas Lions progressed on merit rather than fortune.
The former Sweden international, speaking on Fox during post-match analysis, said Morocco were clearly the stronger side across the contest and deserved their place in the quarter-finals.
“The stronger team won in the end. The first half wasn’t perfect, but overall, they played a good game. They got the three goals they needed, and they were the stronger team.”
Morocco’s victory secured their place in the last eight of the tournament after a controlled and disciplined display, particularly in the second half where they turned dominance into goals.
Ibrahimović dismissed suggestions that the result had anything to do with luck, arguing that Morocco’s quality and structure were decisive factors.
“There is no secret here, no luck, nothing like that. They were the stronger team. They reached the quarter-finals, and usually in these matches, the first half is balanced if the stronger team doesn’t completely dominate.”
He went on to explain that knockout football often follows a pattern where matches remain tight early on before quality and fitness begin to tell after the break.
“But in the second half, the better team usually becomes stronger. The weaker team gets tired and can’t keep up with the intensity or the pace of the better team.”
Morocco’s three-goal performance ultimately separated the sides, with Canada unable to respond as the African side took full control of the match.
Looking ahead, Ibrahimović suggested that Morocco’s next major test could come against France.
“We said it before, Morocco are a good team. They will reach the quarter-finals. they’ll play France. That’s when things will really get exciting.”
Morocco’s run continues to draw attention across the football world, with their blend of structure, resilience, and attacking efficiency positioning them as one of the standout teams of the tournament.
