What to Expect from Morocco at the 2026 World Cup
Four years after their historic run to the World Cup semi-finals, Morocco heads to North America with heightened expectations. Their squad boasts an even stronger lineup than the one that impressed in Qatar.
A New Coach, A Fresh Approach
History seems to be repeating itself as Morocco begins the tournament under new leadership. In March, Mohamed Ouahbi, who led Morocco’s Under-20 team to a World Cup victory last year, took over from Walid Regragui.
This coaching change leaves little time for the team to adjust to Ouahbi’s tactics. Early results under his guidance show promise: a 1-1 draw against Ecuador and a 2-1 win over Paraguay hinted at progress compared to the previous regime. Ouahbi favors a 4-2-3-1 formation that can shift into a 4-2-2-2, creating space for captain Achraf Hakimi down the right wing.
Pressure of Expectations
The challenge now is for Morocco to meet or surpass the high standards set in 2022. Back then, few expected them to go far, but this year they enter among the world’s top 10 ranked teams. Ouahbi recognizes the pressure but embraces it. “I am committed to working with seriousness, humility, determination, and patriotism to push this team forward,” he said.
Mentally, the squad has shattered several barriers—from their semi-final run to their climb in FIFA rankings. Yet, an unsettling moment came in January during the African Cup of Nations final. Senegal players walked off the pitch protesting a penalty awarded to Morocco. Though Senegal won on the field, the Confederation of African Football later awarded the title to Morocco. Senegal has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, keeping tension alive. Ouahbi acknowledged the trauma but stressed the importance of continuity and building on past success.
Passionate Fans Ready to Support
Moroccan supporters are expected to bring vibrant energy to the tournament, much like in Russia and Qatar. The team benefits from a growing global fanbase, especially a significant diaspora in the U.S. and Canada. Roughly 30,000 Moroccans live in New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts alone. Their presence will add color and loud support inside stadiums, with the national anthem likely becoming a standout moment.
This report was originally by Amine El Amri for SKWAD via 2M TV, shared through the Guardian Sports Network.
