Morocco’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup should not be viewed as a failure but as the beginning of a new era for the Atlas Lions, according to former international striker Abdelkrim Merry, widely known as Krimau.
The North Africans exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage after losing 2-0 to France at Gillette Stadium, ending hopes of another historic run following their breakthrough semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup.
While the defeat brought disappointment, Krimau believes Morocco’s campaign represented a significant moment in the development of the national team.
Speaking in an interview with Africafoot, the Moroccan football icon said the value of the tournament should not be judged only by the final result but also by the foundation created for the future.
“The value of this World Cup isn’t measured solely by reaching the quarter-finals.
Mohamed Ouahbi had the courage to revamp his squad.
He rejuvenated the team and introduced new players, while many would have preferred to keep the same players after the African title. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was a necessary one to prepare for the future,” Krimau said.
The former Morocco striker, who scored a famous brace against Portugal at the 1986 World Cup, believes Ouahbi made a bold decision by accelerating the transition of the squad after Morocco’s continental success.
The Atlas Lions entered the tournament with high expectations after winning the Africa Cup of Nations, but their preparations were disrupted by injuries to several important players.
According to Krimau, those challenges highlighted the importance of developing a wider pool of talent capable of competing at the highest level.
Rather than relying solely on the established stars who delivered previous successes, Morocco used the tournament as an opportunity to introduce a new generation of players.
Krimau believes several young talents gained invaluable experience from competing on football’s biggest stage.
“This competition has allowed us to discover players who will be the pillars of the selection tomorrow. Anass Salah-Eddine, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Redouane Halhal, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Samir El Mourabet, Amine Sbaï, Chemsdine Talbi, Gessime Yassine and Ayoube Amaimouni have all gained something that cannot be bought: the experience of a World Cup,” he added.
The former striker said exposure to World Cup pressure is an important part of player development, arguing that no domestic competition can fully replicate the intensity of international football.
“You become a great international player by playing in World Cups. Neither the European leagues, nor even the Champions League, replicate this constant pressure.
“For ninety minutes, every mistake can eliminate you. It’s a unique training ground,” Krimau explained.
Morocco’s quarter-final appearance continued the country’s rise on the global stage after becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022.
However, the loss to France also exposed areas that need improvement as the team prepares for future tournaments.
