World Cup semifinalists Morocco, who turned the primary Arab crew to beat Brazil final month, ought to give attention to successful the Africa Cup of Nations subsequent 12 months earlier than dreaming of glory on the 2026 World Cup, winger Sofiane Boufal mentioned.
Morocco was the shock story on the World Cup in Qatar final 12 months, beating Belgium, Spain and Portugal on the way in which to the semifinals prompting coach Walid Regragui to speak up his need of successful the 2026 version.
That dream turned greater after a 2-1 win over five-time world champions Brazil in a pleasant match in Tangier final month.
Only European and South American groups have gained the World Cup all through historical past.
“We must set our priorities. First, we must win the Africa Cup of Nations. We know very well that it is a difficult and complicated competition, and then we will have plenty of time to think about the World Cup,” Boufal instructed Qatari’s AlKass Sports by means of a translator.
Morocco turned the primary crew to qualify for the following Africa Cup of Nations, which might be held in Ivory Coast early subsequent 12 months, and can search to erase its dangerous reminiscences within the match, wherein their solitary title win got here in 1976.
“The Nations Cup is different from the World Cup and the circumstances were not in our favour in the past, so we must have a stronger mentality,” added the 29 year-old who performs for Qatari aspect Al-Rayyan.
“In the World Cup, everything is great, regarding to training and stadiums, but it is very different in Africa. We must be realistic and prepare well for the tournament, which will not be easy at all.”
Boufal scored within the win over Brazil and mentioned the crew was nonetheless using excessive from their World Cup exploits.
“The secret of our continued brilliance is that we continued what we did in the World Cup. We have a strong defence, an organised attack, talented players and we can make the difference at any time,” he mentioned.
“The Brazil match was a celebration for us hosting the (then) number one in FIFA rankings and it was amazing to score against them in a great atmosphere at home. Now we must not relax and continue with the same pace to return to Morocco with the African Cup of Nations title.”
In the newest FIFA world rankings, Brazil dropped to 3rd place behind Argentina and France, whereas Morocco is ranked eleventh.
