Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro has described Morocco as one of the most formidable sides likely to compete at the 2026 World Cup, following his team’s 2-1 defeat to the North African nation in an international friendly.
Speaking after the match, Alfaro said Morocco’s overall balance and tactical strength set them apart as a serious threat on the global stage. The encounter formed part of both teams’ preparations for the upcoming tournament, offering the Paraguayan coach a valuable opportunity to assess his opponents at close range.
“Morocco is one of the toughest opponents I have no doubt will make things difficult for any team at the World Cup,” he said.
Alfaro highlighted two key attributes that, in his view, make Morocco particularly dangerous in tournament football. He pointed to their ability to be effective in both attack and defence as a defining feature of the team.
“They have two very important qualities for this type of competition,” he said. “First, they can find solutions in both boxes; they can score goals. Second, they can defend very well.”
The Paraguay coach suggested that while attacking play often attracts the most attention in the early stages of major tournaments, defensive organisation becomes increasingly decisive as teams progress further.
“At the World Cup, people often look at teams based on how they attack,” he said. “But when you reach the later stages, defensive organization becomes just as important. Morocco, in my view, is strong in both areas.”
In addition to their defensive solidity and attacking threat, Alfaro emphasised the importance of Morocco’s midfield structure. He described it as a crucial link within the team, helping to maintain cohesion between defence and attack.
“They have a midfield that connects the lines very well.”
Despite Morocco not always receiving widespread media attention, Alfaro believes their quality should not be underestimated. He suggested that the team’s consistency and discipline are key factors behind their growing reputation.
“I have no doubt that Morocco, even if they are not always in the spotlight, is a difficult opponent,” he said. “They have more experience, more consistency, and a high level of discipline and tactics.”
Alfaro also connected Morocco’s current strength to their recent performances on the world stage, notably their run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. That achievement, he implied, has helped shape the team’s identity and confidence heading into future competitions.
Looking ahead, he said Morocco appear determined to build on that success and aim even higher in the coming years. He believes their ambitions now extend beyond repeating past achievements to challenging for major honours.
“That shows their natural ambition is to be among the top four again,” he said, “and then compete for the 2030 World Cup. That is a normal step in the development of a team.”
The friendly result may have gone against Paraguay, but Alfaro’s assessment underlines Morocco’s growing status as a well-rounded and highly competitive side as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues.
