Moroccan Football Legend Speaks Ahead of World Cup 2026
Noureddine Naybet, the former captain of the Moroccan national team and the record holder for the most international matches played, has sparked excitement among fans with compelling statements made to FIFA’s official website. As the Moroccan squad prepares for their opening match against Brazil on June 13, 2026, Naybet has raised the bar of expectations, asserting that the current team possesses all the necessary attributes to achieve greatness. He expressed confidence in the team’s potential, stating, “We have a team of exceptionally high quality, a strong and cohesive group that does not exhibit any weaknesses, featuring world-class players.”
While acknowledging the importance of approaching the tournament step by step, Naybet dismissed any notion of underestimating Morocco's chances, adding, “We cannot speak of candidates on paper; we must trust in our qualifications and abilities. With the quality we possess, we have the right to dream of going far, and why not win the World Cup?”
Reflections on Past World Cup Experiences
In relation to the upcoming clash against Brazil, Naybet offered a candid critique of the events during the 1998 World Cup in France, where Morocco suffered a defeat against Ronaldo's team. He imparted valuable advice to the current generation, led by Achraf Hakimi, saying, “Our mistake back then was that we focused too much on Brazil; we were thinking only of them and forgetting ourselves. In football, you must believe in yourself to play with confidence.” He also reminisced about the heart-wrenching exit from the tournament following Norway's dramatic comeback, recalling, “I remember vividly how we felt disappointed at that time; it left a significant mark on all the players, and we cried on the pitch.”
Naybet didn’t shy away from sharing interesting anecdotes from his time with Brazilian legend Rivaldo at Deportivo La Coruña, revealing, “We joined the same year and lived in the same building. Initially, I used to drive him to training in my car. He was a wonderful person, an amazing player, and a true artist,” noting that he spent a lot of time with the Brazilians and fluently spoke Portuguese.
The interview was tinged with nostalgia as Naybet reflected on his childhood memories of the World Cup, having been born in 1970, the year Morocco made its first appearance in the tournament. He noted that his genuine passion and dream of playing in the World Cup began to take shape while watching the epic saga of Mexico 1986, which later became a reality on American soil during the 1994 World Cup, followed by a notable presence in the 1998 edition, culminating in his record of 115 international matches, making him the most capped Moroccan player in history.
Naybet’s words serve to amplify the optimism among Moroccan fans, who view the legend's testimony as an additional motivator for the national team ahead of the historic encounter against Brazil in the 2026 World Cup.
As reported by alomksport.com.
