Former German midfield maestro Toni Kroos has named Morocco national football team as a potential surprise package for the FIFA World Cup, placing the African side alongside — and even ahead of — some of Europe’s traditional powerhouses.
Speaking during a conversation with Brazilian football icon Romario, Kroos was asked to name his favorites for the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“Morocco — a surprise choice. And I won’t say Brazil, even though if they win, that’s fine,” Kroos said.
Beyond his unexpected pick, Kroos also listed Spain, Portugal, and France as the main contenders for the title, but stressed that Morocco could once again defy expectations.
Notably, Kroos appeared to rank Morocco ahead of Germany, praising the team’s technical quality and recent progress.
The North African side made history by reaching the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup and has also started the Africa Cup of Nations in strong fashion, recording a convincing 3–0 victory over Zambia.
Kroos also voiced criticism of the expanded World Cup format with 48 teams, saying:
“I’m not a fan of results like 5–0 or 6–0.”
His comments have sparked debate among fans, with many now keeping a close eye on Morocco as a potential dark horse for 2026.
