2026 World Cup | What should France expect from Morocco?

Four years after reaching the semi-finals of a World Cup for the first time Morocco are setting sail for North America with ambitions high and a squad with even better pedigree than that of the one in Qatar. 

Sometimes history does repeat itself and Morocco will hope that is the case this time. Just as in 2022 the head coach has been sacked and a new sheriff is in town. In March Mohamed Ouahbi, who won the Under-20 World Cup with Morocco last year, replaced Walid Regragui.

The switch means The Atlas Lions will not have much time to get used to the coach’s tactics and philosophy. In late March Morocco drew against Ecuador (1-1) and beat Paraguay (2-1), showing some signs of improvement compared to the fare that had been on offer under Regragui. Ouahbi prefers a clear 4-2-3-1 formation that morphs into a 4-2-2-2 to create a motorway lane of space in front of the captain, Achraf Hakimi, on the right flank.

The biggest challenge for this Moroccan team will be to live up to the expectations. In 2022 they made a deep run when nobody thought they would do so. In 2026 the team is among the top 10 best ranked sides in the world. The pressure will be constant. “I am aware of the expectations, but very honoured,” Ouahbi said at his unveiling. “I am committed to working with seriousness, humility and determination and also a lot of patriotism to continue on the path of progression of this team”, he added.

Mentally this team has already broken a couple of glass ceilings (the aforementioned semi-final, the arrival in the top 10 of the Fifa rankings) but in January Morocco experienced one of the most bizarre episodes of its football history. During the final, the Senegal players left the pitch in protest to a penalty awarded to Morocco. After a long delay Brahim Diaz missed his Panenka spot kick and Senegal went on to win the match 1-0. Two months later, however, the Confederation of African Football, Caf, awarded the title to Morocco. 

Senegal have appealed to the Court of Arbitration of Sport and whatever happens the Afcon final was a trauma and the repercussions could burst out at any given time if the results don’t go the team’s way. “We all lived a trauma as Moroccans. That final was a difficult moment, but I think what matters the most is continuity”, Ouahbi says. The continuity would mean to do as well, if not better, than what was achieved in Qatar.

What to expect from Morocco’s fans

Just like in Russia and in Qatar, Moroccan fans will fill their allocated seats in the USA. Besides a growing fanbase that can afford to follow the national team wherever it plays in the world, Morocco can count on a large diaspora on the other side of the Atlantic. there are approximately 30,000 Moroccans living in the New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts states, as well as many in Canada. So expect Moroccan fans to add colour and positive noise, inside and outside the stadiums. The highlight is likely to be the national anthem. 

This is a piece from Amine El Amri for SKWAD by 2M TV as part of the Guardian Sports Network

GFFN | Luke Entwistle