FIFA president Gianni Infantino says Morocco have every reason to believe they can challenge for football’s biggest prize, insisting the Atlas Lions have firmly established themselves among the world’s elite.

Speaking in an Instagram video, Infantino was asked whether Morocco could go all the way and lift the World Cup. While stopping short of a bold prediction, the FIFA boss made it clear that the North African nation’s recent achievements justify genuine ambition.

“Morocco has shown that it has its place among the great nations in world football,” Infantino said.

He pointed to the country’s remarkable rise across different levels of the game, highlighting Morocco’s success at youth level and their historic breakthrough on the senior stage.

Infantino referenced Morocco’s triumph at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile, as well as their stunning run to the semi-finals of the most recent FIFA World Cup, a first for an African nation.

“After winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile and reaching the semi-finals of the last FIFA World Cup, the team progressed to the point of competing with the best,” he added.

Those milestones, Infantino said, are evidence of steady growth driven by long-term planning, investment in youth development and improved football infrastructure.

Looking ahead to the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, Infantino believes Morocco should approach the tournament with confidence.

“They have every reason to be confident ahead of the biggest FIFA World Cup ever in 2026,” he said.

As Africa continues to dream of producing its first World Cup winners, Morocco’s rise has positioned them as one of the continent’s strongest standard-bearers and, as Infantino suggests, a nation no longer content with simply competing, but one ready to aim higher.