Morocco legend Mustapha Hadji believes improving the Atlas Lions‘ squad depth must become the national team’s next priority if they are to establish themselves among the world’s elite.
The former Morocco international praised the quality of the team’s starting XI but argued that a lack of equally strong options on the bench limited their ability to compete consistently against the world’s best during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Hadji, building a stronger second unit will be essential if Morocco are to transform their recent success into sustained global competitiveness.
Hadji highlights importance of World Cup experience
Speaking to Al Arabiya, Hadji pointed to the unique demands of the World Cup, noting that several members of the current squad were experiencing the tournament for the first time.
“There are many players who have never played at this level or experienced the World Cup before, because the World Cup is completely different from the UEFA Champions League or any other tournament.”
He explained that success on football’s biggest stage depends not only on tactics and technical quality but also on experience and the ability to maintain performance levels throughout a demanding tournament.
Stronger bench key to competing with elite teams
Hadji believes Morocco must now focus on increasing competition for places by developing a deeper squad capable of matching the quality of the first-choice players.
“I think this is the area the Moroccan national team needs to work on in the future, which is strengthening the bench. If you want to compete against teams like France, the strength of the substitutes’ bench is a crucial element.”
The former midfielder suggested that greater depth would allow Morocco to cope better with injuries, fatigue and tactical adjustments against top-class opponents.
Morocco continue to raise African football’s profile
Despite their quarter-final exit, Morocco further enhanced their reputation as one of international football’s rising powers during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Atlas Lions became the first African nation to reach back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals after progressing through the group stage with victories over Scotland and Haiti, alongside a draw against Brazil.
They then eliminated the Netherlands on penalties in the Round of 32 before defeating co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16.
Morocco’s campaign eventually ended with a 2-0 defeat to France in the quarter-finals, but Mohamed Ouahbi‘s side once again demonstrated their ability to compete with the world’s strongest teams.
For Hadji, the challenge now is ensuring Morocco’s impressive starting lineup is supported by a bench capable of making the difference in the latter stages of major international tournaments.
