Former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has praised Morocco as Africa's standout performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the Atlas Lions have been the continent's most impressive team during the group stage.

With a record number of African nations progressing to the knockout rounds, Troost-Ekong singled out Morocco for special praise ahead of their Round of 32 showdown against the Netherlands.

Africa has enjoyed a historic campaign at the expanded FIFA World Cup, with Morocco, South Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Cape Verde, Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, DR Congo and Algeria all advancing beyond the group stage.

Morocco secured second place in Group C after opening their campaign with a hard-fought draw against Brazil before recording victories over Scotland and Haiti to book their place in the knockout rounds.

One of the stars of Morocco's impressive run has been PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ismael Saibari, who scored in each of the Atlas Lions' three group-stage matches to emerge as one of the tournament's standout performers.

Troost-Ekong, who retired from international football after captaining Nigeria before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, believes Morocco have set the standard for African teams at the tournament.

Speaking on SuperSport, the former Nigeria defender expressed his admiration for the North Africans while looking ahead to their meeting with the Netherlands.

"Massive game, of course. I'm half Dutch. Morocco started the tournament so well; I thought they were probably the best-playing nation to represent the continent at the moment, so I'm looking forward to seeing how they are going to do against the Netherlands."

The clash carries extra significance for Troost-Ekong, who has Dutch heritage, making the encounter between the Netherlands and Morocco one he will watch with particular interest.

Morocco continue to build on their growing reputation as one of Africa's football powerhouses following their historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals in Qatar—the first African nation to achieve the feat.

The Atlas Lions will now be aiming to continue their impressive form as they seek another deep run on football's biggest stage, with many observers viewing them as Africa's strongest hope of challenging for World Cup glory.