Basking Ridge, New Jersey (United States) – Brahim Díaz, having faced immense scrutiny following his missed Panenka penalty in the chaotic Africa Cup final, has finally rediscovered his pivotal role as Morocco's playmaker in their World Cup campaign. As the team prepares to clash with France in the quarter-finals on Thursday, Díaz's resurgence could not have come at a more crucial time.
The Moroccan footballer, who previously found himself at the center of criticism from fans after his disappointing performance against Senegal in January, has managed to overcome the backlash. Despite being hailed as the best player and top scorer of the African tournament held in his homeland with an impressive tally of five goals, his initial outings in the 2026 World Cup fell short of expectations.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old midfielder has retained the unwavering confidence of national coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who has ardently defended him during press conferences and ensured his place in the starting lineup. "He is a very, very significant player who will contribute immensely to our success. I expect more from him because he is one of my best players, and we will provide him with the support and confidence he needs to perform," Ouahbi stated following their victory against Haiti (4-2) in the opening round.
World Cup Transformation
Since the commencement of this prestigious football tournament, Brahim Díaz has undergone a remarkable transformation. No longer seen as a solo performer, he has adopted a more collaborative approach in the midfield, delivering four key passes, the highest by any African player in this World Cup, including two assists against Canada in the Round of 16 (3-0).
"I am very pleased with my contributions and everything I do to support my teammates," Díaz expressed after their qualification. "The most important thing is what we achieve as a team," he added, praising the incredible mentality of the Lions of the Atlas.
Like many of his teammates, the number 10 was born outside Morocco—in his case, in Málaga, Spain—and chose to represent his father's country only three years ago after previously playing for Spain. He does not regret this decision one bit. "Things are going remarkably well. I am genuinely happy with what I am accomplishing, and the support and affection I have received from all of Morocco since my arrival have been incredible," he emphasized. "To reflect that on the field and give my best is something unique," he underscored.
Dreaming of the Final
Former international Abdelaziz Bennij told AFP that he hopes Díaz will "quickly regain all his brilliance." He noted, "He shines more in defensive work than in scoring, and that is probably the link we are still missing." Another former Lion of the Atlas, Aziz Bouderbala, expressed that the hopes of the nation reaching further than ever in North America 2026 rest on the talent of the midfielder. "If Brahim Díaz raises his level just a bit more, Morocco can reach the final and even win the title," he claimed.
Following their semifinal loss to France in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Coach Ouahbi set the ambitious goal for this tournament to contend for the crown. The upcoming quarter-final match against the heavily favored French team, featuring stars like Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise, will be a significant challenge. "Morocco has entered a new era, a time when we must believe in our ability to become world champions," the coach asserted after the match against Haiti.
For the team, controversially declared champions of Africa—a decision disputed by Senegal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport—securing the star would be a monumental achievement, and so it would be for their number 10, Brahim Díaz.
As reported by rfi.fr.
