Perspectives of Football in the Maghreb

The Maghreb (from Arabic "sunset") is North Africa: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania. A region where football is not a sport, but a way of life. Here, the ball is struck on beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, in oases of the Sahara, in the Atlas foothills. After Morocco's sensational semi-final at the 2022 World Cup, as well as the successes of Algeria and Tunisia at previous tournaments, the world has turned its gaze to the Maghreb. What are the prospects of this region? Can Maghreb countries catch up with Europe and South America? Let's analyze.

Morocco: a leader that does not slow down

Morocco is the undisputed flagship of Maghreb football. The final of the African Nations Cup (CAN) 2024 (lost to Ivory Coast), a confident performance in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Prospects: the creation of the Mohammed VI superacademy (already graduated Hakimi, En-Nesiri), attracting players of Moroccan origin from Europe (France, the Netherlands, Spain), the construction of new stadiums for the 2030 World Cup, which will be held in Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. By 2030, Morocco wants to become the first African country to win the World Cup. It is still an utopia, but progress is evident. Already in 2026, the Moroccan national team enters the top 15 of FIFA.

Algeria: past victories and hopes for revenge

Algeria won the CAN in 2019 and in 1990. But in recent years, the national team has been struggling: a failure at the CAN-2023 (elimination in the group), not qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. However, there are prospects. In 2026, the team is led by a new coach (former player Jamel Belmadi has left). Algeria has a strong diaspora in France (Riyad Mahrez, and now new talents like Farid Shaibi). The football federation invests in youth academies. The main problem: the aging of leaders (Mahrez is already 35, Slimani has retired). A generation of the 2000s is needed. But the potential is huge.

Tunisia: stability and tactical skill

Tunisia is a constant participant in World Cups (the last time in 2022). Their strength is discipline and tactical flexibility. The "Carthage Eagles" team does not have stars like Mahrez, but plays pragmatically. In 2026, Tunisia was led by a new coach (from local), who bets on defense and counterattacks. Problems: low scoring (a striker is needed). However, the home championship (Tunisia will host the CAN-2027?) is not yet, but it is in the plans. Infrastructure is being updated. Tunisia also focuses on the natural mixed Brazilian-French influence.

Libya: football on ruins

Libya has survived a civil war, the country is destroyed, but football has not died. The Libyan national team is in 80th place in the FIFA ranking in 2026. Prospects are unclear. The domestic championship is weak, legionnaires play in Egypt and Tunisia. However, young people train on the streets, despite bullets. If peace comes to Libya, a leap may occur. The country is rich in oil, and money can be invested in sports. For now, Libya is a potential outsider.

Mauritania: football on sand

Mauritania is the youngest football nation in the Maghreb. It first appeared at the CAN in 2019. In 2026, the national team is progressing: naturalized French and Senegalese players are playing in it. The federation focuses on physical preparation. Prospects: becoming a regular participant in the CAN, and then fighting for a place in the World Cup. It is still far, but the dynamics are positive.

General trends: diaspora, academies, and naturalization

The countries of the Maghreb actively use dual citizenship. Players born in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, choose their historical homeland. Examples: Aashraf Hakimi (born in Madrid, but for Morocco), Riyad Mahrez (born in France, for Algeria). This raises the level of national teams. Moreover, the number of private academies that prepare local talents is growing. In Morocco and Tunisia, there are scouting programs in rural areas.

Infrastructure and stadiums

Morocco is building world-class stadiums for the 2030 World Cup. Tunisia and Algeria are also modernizing arenas. Libya and Mauritania lack money, but FIFA provides grants. In 2026, the Nelson Mandela stadium was opened in Algeria (hosted the CAN final). The Stade Olympique in Radès, Tunisia, has been renovated. Infrastructure is the key to growth.

Women's football

Women's football in the Maghreb lags behind men's, but is progressing. Morocco has created a women's academy, Algeria and Tunisia have national leagues. In 2026, the Moroccan women's national team qualified for the World Cup (for the second consecutive time). Tunisia is also fighting for a ticket. This expands the audience and attracts sponsors.

Political and economic challenges

Instability in Libya, sanctions against Algeria (policy), corruption in federations (accusations against former officials), a lack of investment in mass sports — all this hinders development. However, football often stands above politics. Example: Morocco and Algeria continue to play matches in neutral countries, despite closed borders.

Future: the Maghreb as a football brand

By 2035, the countries of the Maghreb may regularly qualify for the World Cup knockout stages. Already now, the Moroccan national team sets the tone. Tunisia can beat any team on its own field. Algeria is reborn. Libya and Mauritania are catching up. The main thing is not to lose talents, not to allow their outflow to Europe. Football in the Maghreb has prospects because the people breathe it. Where there is passion, there will be victories.

Permanent link to this publication: