Former Nigeria midfielder Garba Lawal who attended two FIFA World Cup, during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has expressed belief that Morocco have what it takes to trouble Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but says the Atlas Lions must draw on the same belief and resilience that carried them to a historic run in Qatar four years ago.
Morocco, the highest-ranked African nation heading into the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, became the first team from the continent to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022. Their remarkable campaign included victories over Belgium, Spain and Portugal before eventually bowing out to France.
Now, with a heavyweight clash against five-time world champions Brazil on the horizon, expectations are once again soaring.
“Morocco in 2022 was fantastic,” Lawal told Footy-Africa. “There are high expectations for them. People expect them to go far again. But it’s not going to be easy. Everybody knows Brazil in football. I believe it’s all about self-confidence, inner conviction and determination. If they can bring that, they can surprise the world.”
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Morocco’s achievements in Qatar transformed perceptions of what African teams can accomplish on football’s biggest stage. Yet Lawal, who represented Nigeria at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, insists repeating that success will be even more difficult.
The former midfielder knows all about World Cup shocks. He was on target as the Super Eagles stunned Spain 3-2 in one of the most memorable matches of France 1998.
That experience convinces him that reputations count for little once the whistle blows.
“If Brazil beat Morocco, it’s not a story,” he said. “But if Morocco beat Brazil, it’s a massive story.”
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Lawal points to Saudi Arabia’s shock victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup as proof that anything is possible.
“Football is not mathematics,” he explained. “What you expect to happen doesn’t always happen. That’s why there are so many surprises in football. If they believe in themselves, they can win.”
Hakimi key to Morocco’s hopes
Much of Morocco’s optimism centres around captain Achraf Hakimi, who arrives at the tournament following another outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain and fresh from Champions League success.
Lawal believes the full-back’s experience at the highest level could prove invaluable.
“There are high expectations for him as well,” he said. “The team is looking forward to having him there. He has won the Champions League back-to-back, so you can see how far he can go. I believe people expect him to perform well at the World Cup.”
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However, Lawal warned that success at club level does not automatically guarantee international glory.
“The World Cup is a completely different ball game,” he added. “It’s the highest level of football you can reach in your career. At the World Cup, you’re competing against the very best players in the world. Every country selects the players they believe are best suited for their team.”
Brazil’s firepower impossible to ignore
While Morocco’s defensive organisation and fighting spirit earned admiration in Qatar, they face a Brazil side packed with attacking talent.
Among the biggest threats is Vinicius Junior, who is expected to spearhead Brazil’s challenge alongside a new generation of stars.
Lawal believes the Real Madrid forward will carry the weight of expectation from an entire nation.
“Vinicius has a major role to play in that team,” he said. “I believe Brazilians are looking up to him to help lead the team.”
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Yet the Nigerian also cautioned against writing off Neymar’s influence despite the veteran entering the latter stages of his career.
“You can never write Neymar off,” Lawal said. “What he has continued to do on the pitch is unbelievable. When his name was announced on the squad list, the whole country celebrated. That shows how much respect and admiration people have for him.”
‘Brazil won’t take chances’
Although Morocco’s World Cup exploits have earned them global respect, Lawal expects Brazil to approach the contest with complete focus.
The 50-year-old believes African and North African teams have developed a mentality that commands respect from traditional football powers.
“Brazil won’t take any chances,” he said. “They know how strong African and North African teams can be. They have a similar mentality — very competitive and determined. Because of that, I don’t think Brazil will underestimate them.”
Still, Lawal maintains that while Brazil remain among the favourites, they are far from unbeatable.
“Brazil has the quality to succeed, but they are not the only team with quality,” he said. “Germany, England, France, Spain and many other countries have talented squads as well. That’s why it’s called the World Cup — the best of the best competing against one another.”
For Morocco, the challenge is clear. To stand any chance against the tournament’s most successful nation, they must recreate the belief, discipline and fearless mentality that captivated the world in Qatar.
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And if they do, Lawal believes another World Cup upset could be waiting.
“If they can bring that self-confidence and determination,” he said, “they can surprise the world.”
