Soccer
World Cup stories: Premier League winner predicts which African team to watch out for
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The 2026 World Cup is the biggest-ever tournament of its kind, with 48 teams set to compete in the finals this summer, covering nearly every continent.
With the American climate, many feel it gives an advantage to the South American teams, while the favourites, as usual, come from Europe.
But what of Africa? African teams have always played their part in the competition's history, but we're yet to see anyone from the continent come near to lifting the famous trophy.
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In 36 days, 10 African teams will compete across North America, with each looking to outdo Morocco, which reached the semi-finals four years ago, the furthest any side has been from that region.
One man who keeps a keen eye on the national teams in Africa is former Arsenal defender Lauren, who played in two World Cups for Cameroon in a glittering career that also saw him win the Premier League.
His home nation may not be part of the festivities in 2026, but when looking at the African sides involved, he's given his prediction on who he sees going the furthest.
"Morocco, I believe, is the team that has a lot of quality," Lauren exclusively told DAZN News, thanks to playing slots.
"They've got quality at the back. They've got quality in the middle of the park. Players like Azzedine Ounahi, who can control the game in the middle of the park.
"You have Brahim Diaz. You have a lot of players in the attacking areas with that kind of quality in order to change the game.
"So it's the team that, for the African continent, has more possibilities to get further. I would say Morocco."
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Morocco have been drawn in a group with Scotland, Brazil and Haiti, and expectations are high that they can once again go deep into the competition, but it still feels an African win is still some way off.
If not from Africa, then who does the defender see triumphing in the States and beyond this summer?
'll go for Spain because they've got a lot of quality players," he added.
"I mean, if you have a look at the squad of the Spanish national team and the pathway as well, the team that has become the European champion.
"You have a lot of good players in that squad who tell you that they've got a big chance to win the World Cup."
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