Morocco faces harsh criticism from former Real Madrid keeper
Morocco came under sharp criticism from Santiago Cañizares, former Real Madrid goalkeeper, who called the team "a very bad opponent" during his appearance on a Spanish TV show, reigniting the debate over hosting the 2030 World Cup final. Meanwhile, the Moroccan national side continues its climb in the 2026 qualifiers, sitting second with 7 points from three games and a recent LWWWW form.
What did Cañizares say?
During his interview on "el partidazo de cope," Cañizares noted that the decision on the 2030 final venue could be swayed by the geopolitical dynamics between Spain and Morocco. He added that "Morocco is a very bad opponent," leaving the sentence unfinished, which sparked widespread reactions on social media. While he did not name specific players, his remarks touch broader issues of power within FIFA.
How does this affect the 2026 qualifiers?
The Moroccan team has scored 6 goals and conceded 3 goals (+3 goal difference) in the current qualifying stage. Their last result was a 2-0 loss to France on 2026-07-09, putting pressure on the coaching staff to turn things around. Additionally, the squad is missing I. Saibari due to injury, adding another layer of difficulty for the manager.
What does this mean for the team's future?
The controversy over hosting the 2030 final could add a psychological burden on the players, especially with a recent dip in performance reflected in a LLWDD record over the last five games. Still, the second-place standing in the group shows the team's competitive edge, though defensive improvements are needed. If the side continues to score while keeping clean sheets, this criticism could become a catalyst for a strong comeback in upcoming matches.
Bottom line
Cañizares' remarks put Morocco under the spotlight not only as a potential 2030 final host but also as a contender in the 2026 qualifiers. With clear stats like second place with seven points and a +3 goal difference, the question remains: will the national team respond to the criticism and boost its performance before the next decisive match?
