Julio Maldonado: “Morocco is a serious contender for the world title”
The Spanish journalist and sports analyst Julio Maldonado, better known by the nickname Maldini, believes that the Moroccan national team has all the qualities needed to aim for victory at the 2026 World Cup. According to him, the Atlas Lions are now among the leading contenders for the title.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel Mundo Maldini, the analyst praised Morocco’s impressive performance against Canada, highlighting the high quality of play exhibited by coach Mohamed Ouahbi‘s team. He even asserts that Morocco is “by far, the best team in Africa” at this moment.
A Journey of Growth Over Several Years
For Julio Maldonado, the current achievements of Moroccan football result from extensive groundwork laid over several years, particularly in the area of player development. This strategy has enabled the Kingdom to assemble a complete squad featuring top-quality players in every position.
He also reminds us that Morocco is the current under-20 world champion, a success that highlights the advancements made in national football.
A Strong and Mature Team
Despite the absence of Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, the Spanish journalist affirms that the Atlas Lions have demonstrated great defensive solidity, remarkable tactical discipline, and strong collective cohesion throughout the tournament.
According to him, major competitions are often decided by small details, an area where Morocco has shown its ability to handle crucial moments.
Ibrahim Diaz and a High-Caliber Midfield
Julio Maldonado also emphasized the role of Ibrahim Diaz, whom he considers capable of leading the Moroccan team toward ambitious goals in this World Cup.
Finally, he praised the quality of the Moroccan midfield, featuring Azzedine Ounahi, Ayoub Bouaddi, and Neil El Aynaoui, describing it as one of the main assets of the Atlas Lions in their quest for a historic achievement at the 2026 World Cup.
