Chadi Riad does not hide the ambitions of the Atlas Lions. In an interview with the Spanish daily AS from New York, the Moroccan central defender expressed a strong message as the 2026 World Cup approaches, fully embracing the high objectives of the national team.
When asked about Morocco’s ambitions in this competition, the Crystal Palace player responded candidly: “The goal is to win the World Cup. There is no other objective. If we don’t believe it ourselves, no one else will.” A strong statement, but consistent with the progress of a team that has already made history by reaching the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup.
For Chadi Riad, playing in his first World Cup with Morocco also represents a special moment. “It’s a dream for me. What I love most about being a footballer is playing for my national team. So imagine playing in a World Cup. It’s a dream come true,” he told the Spanish media.
The Moroccan defender also wanted to send a message to the supporters of the Atlas Lions, who are always there for the team. “The message I want to convey to them is simply one of gratitude. It’s incredible, at every match we play, they are with us. No matter what happens, they always encourage us,” he stated.
Very attached to his roots, Chadi Riad also highlighted the pride he feels in wearing the national jersey. “I thank God for being Moroccan and for what football has given me with my people, with the supporters,” he added, once again confirming the strong bond he shares with the national team.
Having passed through FC Barcelona and Real Betis before joining Crystal Palace, Chadi Riad believes that each step of his journey has contributed to his development. “I am very grateful to every club I have been with, as I have learned a lot in each of them. I learn as a footballer and as a person. Today, I am a different player and a better person,” he explained.
With just a few days until the next match against Scotland, the Moroccan defender, however, refuses to look too far ahead. For him, the most important thing is to maintain the same mindset: to stay focused on the group, to progress match by match, and to give the maximum in every outing. An ambitious but also realistic discourse, reflecting a Moroccan team determined to continue its journey at the highest level.
