What France Can Anticipate from Morocco in the 2026 World Cup
Four years after Morocco reached the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time, they are heading to North America with big ambitions and a squad that looks even stronger than the one that played in Qatar. Their progress has been impressive, and fans will be curious to see if history can repeat itself.
A New Coach and Tactics
The coaching change echoes their 2022 path when a new leader took charge just before the tournament. Mohamed Ouahbi, who led Morocco’s Under-20 team to a World Cup win last year, replaced Walid Regragui in March. This means the team has limited time to adapt to Ouahbi’s style and tactics.
In late March, Morocco drew 1-1 with Ecuador and won 2-1 against Paraguay, showing some signs of improvement compared to previous performances under Regragui. Ouahbi prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation that shifts into a 4-2-2-2, aiming to open space on the right flank where captain Achraf Hakimi operates.
The Pressure of Expectations
This Moroccan squad faces the challenge of meeting high expectations. Their 2022 run was surprising and unexpected. Now ranked among the world’s top 10 teams, the pressure is on. Ouahbi acknowledged this during his introduction, saying he feels honored and is committed to working with seriousness, humility, determination, and patriotism to keep pushing the team forward.
Morocco has already broken barriers by reaching the World Cup semi-finals and entering the FIFA top 10 rankings. But January brought turmoil during the African Cup of Nations final, when Senegal players left the pitch protesting a penalty awarded to Morocco. After a delay, Morocco missed the penalty but later was controversially awarded the title by the Confederation of African Football. Senegal appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and the situation remains tense.
“We all lived a trauma as Moroccans. That final was a difficult moment, but I think what matters the most is continuity,” Ouahbi said. Continuity here means matching or improving upon their 2022 World Cup performance.
Support from Moroccan Fans
Moroccan supporters have been passionate in past tournaments and are expected to fill their seats again in the USA. The team benefits from a growing fanbase willing to travel worldwide, plus a large diaspora across North America. Roughly 30,000 Moroccans live in states like New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, along with many in Canada.
Fans will bring vibrant energy and loud support to stadiums. One highlight will likely be the stirring rendition of the national anthem, creating an atmosphere full of pride and emotion.
This article was written by Amine El Amri for SKWAD by 2M TV, part of the Guardian Sports Network.
