Julio Maldonado: “Morocco is a serious contender for the World Title”
Spanish Journalist Julio Maldonado Praises Morocco’s Potential for 2026 World Cup Glory
Spanish journalist and sports analyst Julio Maldonado, commonly known by his nickname Maldini, believes that the Moroccan national team possesses all the qualities necessary to aim for victory in the 2026 World Cup. He considers the Atlas Lions to be among the top contenders for the title.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel Mundo Maldini, the analyst commended Morocco’s impressive performance against Canada, emphasizing the quality of play exhibited by Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad. He even stated that Morocco is, "by far, the best team in Africa" today.
A Progress Built Over Several Years
For Julio Maldonado, the current performances of Moroccan football are the result of longstanding foundational work, particularly in the field of training. This strategy has enabled the Kingdom to assemble a comprehensive team filled with high-caliber players across all positions.
He also pointed out that Morocco is the reigning U-20 World Champion, a success that highlights the strides made by national football.
A Solid and Mature Collective
Despite the absence of Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, the Spanish journalist believes that the Atlas Lions have showcased remarkable defensive strength, impressive tactical discipline, and strong collective cohesion throughout the tournament.
According to him, major competitions are often decided by nuances, an area where Morocco has proven its capability to handle critical moments effectively.
Ibrahim Diaz and a Top-Tier Midfield
Julio Maldonado also underscored the role of Ibrahim Diaz, whom he sees as capable of steering the Moroccan team towards lofty ambitions in this World Cup.
Finally, he praised the quality of Morocco’s midfield, featuring Azzedine Ounahi, Ayoub Bouaddi, and Neil El Aynaoui, which he describes as one of the key assets for the Atlas Lions in their pursuit of a historic achievement at the 2026 World Cup.
