World Cup 2026: Morocco Can Surpass Their 2022 Feat; Ivory Coast, Senegal Also Can Make Africa Proud, Adepoju

Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju believes Morocco’s Atlas Lions can surpass their historic semi-final achievement at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 being jointly hosted by Mexico, the USA and Canada, Completesports.com exclusively reports.

The 55-year-old former Racing Santander star also believes that among the 10 African nations competing at the tournament, Morocco, Ivory Coast and Senegal possess the quality and pedigree to make the continent proud on football’s biggest stage.

“Yes, I’m watching the World Cup matches even though our own Super Eagles are not participating,” Adepoju told Completesports.com on Monday morning.

Also Read: 2026 W/Cup: Morocco Would’ve Beaten Brazil With Osimhen Or Lookman In Their Team, Oliseh

African representatives have played three matches so far, recording one win, one draw and one defeat.

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo scored Ivory Coast’s winner against Ecuador in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E match in the 90th minute. The match was played at the 68,274-capacity Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field) in the United States.

Germany and Curac8ao are among the teams in Group E.

“I think it hasn’t been a bad start for Africa so far. Ivory Coast’s victory over Ecuador is a good one. It shows their strength and is a sign that Africa as a continent can expect something much better from them at the World Cup,” Adepoju said.

“Besides Ivory Coast, I strongly believe that Morocco could be a huge success at the World Cup. I believe they can surpass their semi-final feat at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they finished as the fourth-best team in the tournament.”

Morocco held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group C game, with Ismael Saibari scoring Morocco’s opening goal against the South Americans 21 minutes after kick-off. Vinicius Junior equalised for Brazil two minutes past the hour mark in the Group C encounter.

Also Read: World Cup 2026: Amad Hails Cote d’Ivoire’s Win Over Ecuador

Although Tunisia suffered a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening match, Adepoju reckons that African champions, the Teranga Lions of Senegal, could be the third African team capable of bringing glory to the continent at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Senegal is another team I believe will do well,” the ‘Headmaster’ said.

“Though they have not played a game yet, their performance against France today (15 June 2026) in their Group I match will give us insight into what they have to offer.

“But then, as African champions, we saw them at the last AFCON in Morocco and are convinced they can deliver on a bigger stage like the World Cup.”

Norway and Iraq are the other teams in Group I alongside Senegal and France.