Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou believes the Atlas Lions can continue their upward trajectory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, pointing to the squad’s quality and growing self-belief as key factors ahead of the tournament.

Morocco will begin their Group C campaign against Brazil at MetLife Stadium on June 14 before facing Haiti and Scotland in their remaining group matches.

The Atlas Lions are making their seventh World Cup appearance, having previously qualified in 1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018 and 2022. Their greatest achievement came four years ago in Qatar, where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals, eventually finishing fourth after memorable victories over Belgium, Spain and Portugal.

Looking ahead to the 2026 tournament, Bounou is confident Morocco have retained the qualities that made them such a formidable side in Qatar.

“The quality of the players is still there,” Bounou told FIFA. “The right mindset will also be there because it’s a World Cup and every player dreams of playing in it. For some, it may be their last World Cup, while for others it will be their first.”

Asked about Morocco’s chances of lifting the trophy, the experienced goalkeeper acknowledged that several nations enter the competition as stronger favourites but stressed that Morocco are focused on continuing their progress.

“Let’s be honest, there are teams that are bigger favourites than us,” he said. “We’ve been on this path of growth since 2022 and we want to keep moving forward. After that, there’s no telling how far we can go.”

Bounou also believes Morocco now command greater respect on the international stage, something he feels can provide an extra boost of confidence.

“We feel that we’re still respected, and that must give us confidence. I think there’s a sense of belief that we perhaps didn’t feel before as an African team.”

Reflecting on Morocco’s historic run in Qatar, the Al Hilal goalkeeper said the squad was determined to leave a lasting legacy for both their country and the continent.

“In 2022, the atmosphere was incredible. We were all determined to make our mark on the history of Moroccan and African football.”

Bounou heads into the tournament in impressive form. Across his last 37 appearances for Morocco, he has conceded just 14 goals, averaging fewer than one goal allowed every three matches.

The former Sevilla goalkeeper feels his experience has helped him become stronger mentally and is determined to enjoy every moment of what could be another memorable World Cup campaign.

“I’m probably a little better prepared mentally because of my experience. My goal is to enjoy the competition, give everything I have and, above all, finish it with no regrets.”

Bounou ended on a confident note, expressing his belief that Morocco can once again make a significant impact on the world stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“At the 2026 World Cup, Morocco will make their mark on world football once again,” he said.

“I’m sure the Moroccan people will be proud of and pleased with the team. Let’s hope we can achieve something really special again, just as we did in 2022.”

Morocco’s World Cup journey began at the 1970 tournament in Mexico. Although the Atlas Lions were eliminated in the group stage, they earned a creditable 1-1 draw against Bulgaria and demonstrated their ability to compete with more established footballing nations.

The North Africans will open their Group C campaign against Brazil before facing Scotland at Boston Stadium on June 20. They will then conclude the group stage against Haiti at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 25, as they look to build on the historic success they enjoyed four years ago.