Rabat (AFP) – Following a surprising semifinal appearance four years ago, and facing an awaiting verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding their administrative victory as African champions, Morocco is preparing to embrace the pressures associated with their new status as a 'dark horse' in the upcoming 2026 World Cup under the guidance of their new coach, Mohamed Wahbi. This shift in dynamic comes as Morocco finds itself among the co-organizers of the 2030 World Cup, a scenario that adds layers of expectation and ambition to their footballing journey.
Benjamin Moukandjo, the former captain of the Cameroon national team that won the African Cup of Nations in 2017 and now an analyst for beIN Sports, reflects on Morocco's evolving reputation: "Four years ago in Qatar, no one anticipated that Morocco would reach the semifinals with a defensive yet highly effective playing style in both boxes. Today, expectations have shifted, and they are no longer viewed the same way. Morocco is intimidating, but will they maintain their capability to surprise?"
Since their historic semifinal run in Qatar, where they were defeated by France 2-0 – a groundbreaking achievement for an African team – life for the 'Atlas Lions' has not been straightforward. Despite their remarkable journey, which saw them climb to eighth in the FIFA rankings (the highest for an African team), they have faced significant challenges. Notably, former coach Walid Regragui, credited for this illustrious period, faced public scrutiny due to a conservative playing approach and the failure to capture the 2025 African Cup of Nations title, which was hosted in Morocco.
Wahbi Takes the Helm
Just days before the African Football Confederation's disciplinary committee decided to award the title to Morocco administratively over Senegal, who had won the dramatic final 1-0, Regragui stepped down three months ahead of the World Cup in the United States, passing the reins to Wahbi. Wahbi had previously led Morocco's U20 team to victory in the 2025 World Championship, showcasing his capabilities and potential as a leader.
Moukandjo notes, "The change in coaches does not concern me. Recent history has shown that Morocco knows how to handle such transitions. Vahid Halilhodzic left just months before Qatar, and Regragui, who succeeded him, guided the team to the semifinals." Wahbi, already integrated into the Moroccan football structure, brings considerable promise and has garnered widespread popularity within the kingdom, stepping into a role without managing a faltering team.
Sports journalist Osama Barawi emphasizes that "the chances of the Atlas Lions in the 2026 World Cup are genuine and serious. The current team possesses more experience and talent than it did four years ago." As Morocco awaits the decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding Senegal's appeal, the nation continues to strengthen its squad.
The Symbol of Ayoub Bouaddi
In recent weeks, aligning with the ambitious policies led by influential federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, Morocco successfully recruited midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi (18), who ultimately responded to the call of the country of his parents’ origins. Bouaddi, a rising talent from Lille, expressed his pride in representing Morocco as he met some of his future teammates during an initial camp held from May 22 to 26 at the prestigious Mohammed VI Complex in Salé, with star players including captain Achraf Hakimi expected to join the squad after their club seasons conclude.
Wahbi embraces this new reality. Speaking to Moroccan sports media on May 15, he stated, "Given Morocco's global image and the players we have, we can dream big. However, we must also be realistic and acknowledge that in football, we could exit in the first round. But believe me, it can go either way; I believe in everything and that we are capable of going all the way and winning the World Cup." The kingdom, already preoccupied with preparations to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, including the construction of a massive 115,000-seat stadium near Casablanca, does not expect anything less than success.
As reported by mc-doualiya.com.
