Morocco coach Walid Regragui is highly optimistic about Africa's chances of winning the World Cup in the next "15 to 20 years".
Regragui led the Atlas Lions to fourth at this year's tournament, losing 2-1 to Croatia who clinched a play-off victory on Saturday.
Josko Gvardiol gave Croatia the lead on seven minutes but Achraf Dari levelled just two minutes later. Mislav Orsic restored Crotia's lead three minutes before half-time.
"With nine participants, we're going to learn. In 15, 20 years, I'm sure an African team will win the World Cup because we'll have learned," said Regragui after the game.
"We have a stage to get past. We need to build on that, with hard work and desire. This DNA is not just being built for Morocco, but for the continent."
The 2026 World Cup which will held across the USA, Canada and Mexico will be expanded to 48 teams and Africa will have at least nine slots.