The Atlas Lions roared their way through group E of the CAF qualifiers, finishing top
with a clean record, having won all their 8 matches. Semifinalists in Qatar, the team has their eyes on the prize, their recent form earning them a spot among the contenders, even as they prepare to host the 2030 tournament. Under the tutelage of Mohamed Ouahbi, who recently tasted world glory having led the U-20 national team to clinch the world cup trophy, the lions look to replicate their young ones’ glory. The team boasts of a defensive solidity that conceded just 2 goals in the qualifiers, and an offensive threat led them to scoring 22 goals in the journey.
Defensive Solidity and Structure
The team’s defensive compactness is built around narrow spacing between center
backs and midfield pivots. Led by captain Achraf Hakimi whose combination of elite
recovery speed and attacking progression places him among the best, the team’s
defensive identity remains one of the strongest. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is arguably one of the tournament’s most reliable keepers. His excellent reflexes and command of the backline earned him a 5th place ranking in the 2025 Yachine Trophy award, clinched by Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma. Their defensive midfield which is led by Real Betis’ Sofyan Amrabat covers the defensive gaps created during offensive play, allowing them to efficiently alternate
between direct play and controlled build up. The team also excels at defensive recovery after losing possession, their compact defensive distances reducing counter-attacking lanes.
Offensive Strengths The team utilises their pace on the wings, Hakimi and Mazraoui playing a pivotal role in feeding the forwards. Wingers Brahim Diaz and Abde Ezzalzouli create numerical
superiority wide, their quick switches of play helping to isolate opposing fullbacks.
The team’s deep crossing ability and diagonal passing are pivotal to their chance creation. Midfield rotations which create pockets for attacking midfielders between lines are also utilised. Striker Youssef En-Neysri completes the team’s attack, providing a strong aerial finishing and counter attacking depth runs.
Weaknesses and Vulnerabilities
The team struggles against elite high pressing systems- as was the scenario when they faced Mane’s Senegal in the 2025 AFCON final. Their aggressive forward play which pushes fullbacks forwards exposes their defense giving opponents the chance to target
the spaces created.
Player to Watch
Bilal El Khannouss played a pivotal role during their 2025 AFCON campaign, offering creativity between defensive lines. A technically gifted progressive midfielder, he brings unpredictability to the team as he’s comfortable under pressure and at accelerating
transitions.
The X-Factor
Tactical discipline under pressure separates them from many technically gifted teams. They enter the tournament as one of the most tactically organized teams. Their biggest variable will be whether they can consistently generate goals against compact defenses without relying on individual brilliance.
Morocco’s World Cup History
Best World Cup: Semi-finals (2022)
Last World Cup: Qatar 2022 (semi-finals)
First World Cup: Mexico 1970 (group stage)
World Cup appearances: Seven (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022, 2026)
Current run of successive qualifications: Three
World Cup hosts: 2030
Overall World Cup record: P23 W5 L7 D11 F20 A27
Group Fixtures
13 June: Brazil v Morocco – New York New Jersey Stadium
19 June: Scotland v Morocco – Boston Stadium
24 June: Morocco v Haiti – Atlanta Stadium
