Morocco head coach Walid Regragui believes there will be more pressure on African teams at the next FIFA World Cup following his side's remarkable run at this year's tournament.
The Atlas Lions became the first African nation to qualify for the last four of the global showpiece, however they lost to the defending champions, France.
Morocco lost again 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.
"There will be more expectations now for other African teams seeking to go on the same sort of run we achieved," Walid Regragui said.
"Morocco has shown that (African teams) are capable and not far off (the top teams), so the difference between European teams and African teams is smaller than it's ever been, and it comes down to the very small details.
"That's going to be a real boost for African football."
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.