Morocco is making waves once again. Three and a half years after their groundbreaking semi-final appearance in the 2022 World Cup, Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad is proving their mettle as giants in international football.
After triumphing over the Netherlands in the round of 32 and delivering a strong performance against Brazil in the group stage, they head into Saturday’s match against Canada as favorites.
A win would propel them into the quarter-finals, marking a pivotal moment for a team that deserves serious consideration.
Playing Style
During the tournament in Qatar, Morocco was known for their deep defensive setup and counter-attacking style.
Their low average possession share—27th out of 32 teams—was intentional, allowing them to defend their penalty area while creating space for rapid transitions.
Morocco defeated both Spain and Portugal on penalties in the knockout rounds, before falling to France in the semi-finals. They might face France again in the current tournament, although they have transformed since their last encounter.
Currently, Morocco ranks ninth in average possession share after four matches at the 2026 World Cup, reflecting a shift toward greater control of the game. This evolution is attributed not only to tactical adjustments but also to the emergence of more technically gifted players.
Key Players
Ayyoub Bouaddi is a prime example of this shift. The 18-year-old has made a significant impact from the midfield’s base and has drawn attention from various clubs in the Premier League and Europe. His rise has given Morocco new dimensions on the field.
Neil El Aynaoui is another critical figure, leading the team in accuracy with his passing. Together with Bouaddi, they have transformed Morocco’s midfield beyond the purely defensive duo of Selim Amallah and Sofyan Amrabat from 2022.
Ismael Saibari is also contributing to Morocco’s strong presence this tournament. The 25-year-old, recently signed by Bayern Munich for $60 million, offers a level of technical skill not seen in Qatar.
Adding to their depth is Brahim Díaz, acquired since the last World Cup. The Real Madrid playmaker has delivered two assists in four matches, leading the team in expected assists per 90 minutes. His creativity is essential for Morocco’s progression.
Brahim Diaz has become an integral part of Morocco’s evolution (David Ramos / Getty Images)
Bilal El Khannouss, who had a limited role in the 2022 World Cup, now plays a vital part in the team. This 22-year-old has emerged as a key player, averaging more shots on target per 90 minutes than any teammate this summer.
And of course, there’s Achraf Hakimi, regarded as one of the best right-backs globally. His contributions are crucial for Morocco’s ability to advance play into the attacking zone. He has created twice as many chances and has the highest average for accurate long balls among his peers, demonstrating his capacity to penetrate opposing defenses and play directly when necessary.
Odds of Advancement
Morocco is currently at 7/2 to reach the semi-finals for the second consecutive tournament.
These odds might be more favorable if not for their impending matchup with favorites France, who have dominated their opponents so far.
Furthermore, Morocco is at 9/1 to become the first African team to reach a World Cup final, though they will likely need to overcome France and Spain in their bracket. Their journey to the championship in New Jersey on July 19 looks challenging.
This World Cup promises to be another exhilarating chapter for a Morocco team that has become synonymous with giant-killing. The Netherlands adds to the growing list of fallen opponents, and more could join them before the tournament concludes.
