Following his team’s incredible run at this year’s event, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui thinks there will be more pressure on African nations at the following FIFA World Cup.
The Atlas Lions were the first country from Africa to advance to the final four of the international competition, but they were defeated by the reigning champions, France.
Morocco lost again to Croatia who clinched a play-off victory on Saturday. Josko Gvardiol gave Croatia the lead on seven minutes but Achraf Dari levelled just two minutes later. Mislav Orsic restored Crotia’s lead three minutes before half-time.
“There will be more expectations now for other African teams seeking to go on the same sort of run we achieved,” Walid Regragui said.
“Morocco has shown that (African teams) are capable and not far off (the top teams), so the difference between European teams and African teams is smaller than it’s ever been, and it comes down to the very small details.
“That’s going to be a real boost for African football.”
The 2026 World Cup which will held across the USA, Canada and Mexico will be expanded to 48 teams and Africa will have at least nine slots.