Walid Regragui's entertaining team made history in Qatar and African football will be stronger for their example in 2026
On occasion, Les Bleus were rattled. Jawad El Yamiq, the deputising centre-back, hit Hugo Lloris’ post with an overhead kick that might have rivalled Pele in Escape To Victory for improbability. Three or more times the ball flashed in front of Lloris’ eyes and he prayed that someone in blue would swipe it clear if he couldn’t gather.
There was no great shock. France have never quite been the complete team, but the sheer volume of high-class individuals was enough to repel England and it was enough to hold back the red tide too. If there has been one criticism of the underdogs at this tournament it is the exasperating lack of a striker who actually seems to want to score. Several times, armchair fans in 194 of the world’s 195 nations screamed “Shoooooot” in their mother tongue.
This has been no miracle; Regragui was keen to point that out this week. Miracles happen through happenstance or via divine intervention. This was the result of a long journey, for this team, country and continent, a commitment to constant improvement. When simple processes and principles are perfected, underdogs can cope with top dogs for a while.There comes a point when financial might and the sheer weight of systemic organisation and historic strength makes a difference.
But we will not forget Morocco. For several minutes after full-time, their red wall of noise refused to budge, soaking up the last seconds of their time in the sun. But next week, next month, next year, it won’t be over. Morocco have made history and laid out a plan for the future. In 2026, African football will be stronger for their example.
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