Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has tipped Morocco as one of the favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Atlas Lions ended the Oranje’s campaign with a dramatic Round of 32 victory.
The Dutch were eliminated after a fiercely contested encounter that finished 1-1 following extra time before Morocco prevailed 3-2 in a penalty shootout to secure a place in the Round of 16.
It marked another painful knockout exit for the Netherlands, whose hopes of a deep World Cup run were brought to an end by a disciplined and resilient Moroccan side that continues to impress on the global stage.
Despite the disappointment, Van Dijk was full of praise for the Atlas Lions, acknowledging that Morocco deserved their place in the next round.
“We gave everything we had, but we came up against one of the strongest teams in the world,” Van Dijk said after the match.
The Liverpool defender admitted Morocco’s organisation, tactical discipline and composure under pressure proved decisive in a tightly contested knockout encounter.
“In the end, though, our opponents deserved to go through after a solid performance,” he added.
Van Dijk went even further by identifying Morocco as genuine contenders to lift the trophy, underlining the respect the Atlas Lions have earned through their performances at the tournament.
“I wish them all the best, and I see them as one of the leading favourites to win this World Cup,” he said.
Morocco’s victory adds another memorable chapter to their remarkable World Cup campaign as they continue to establish themselves among the tournament’s standout teams.
The Atlas Lions will now turn their attention to the Round of 16, where they are set to face Canada as they continue their pursuit of a historic run on football’s biggest stage.
