After a remarkable run that culminated in a semi-final appearance at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, expectations are sky-high for Morocco as they prepare for the 2026 tournament in North America. Mohamed Ouahbi, who recently took the reins as head coach, aims to build on the momentum generated during the last World Cup. With a squad that boasts an even more impressive pedigree than before, the Atlas Lions are eager to demonstrate their growth on the international stage.
Morocco's journey to the World Cup has been anything but straightforward. The recent coaching change, replacing Walid Regragui with Ouahbi, a former Under-20 World Cup-winning coach, adds a layer of complexity to their preparations. This transition comes at a crucial time, as the team gears up for three significant group-stage matches against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. The first match against Brazil will take place on June 13 in New York, followed by games in Boston and Atlanta. Despite the limited time for the team to adapt to Ouahbi’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, which can shift to a 4-2-2-2 to create space for star player Achraf Hakimi, recent performances have shown promise. Notably, Morocco managed a draw against Ecuador and a victory over Paraguay, indicating a positive trajectory.
The pressure on the Moroccan team is undeniably immense, as they now find themselves ranked eighth in the world. Ouahbi acknowledges the weight of expectations but remains committed to fostering a spirit of seriousness, humility, and determination within the squad. Their historic semi-final achievement in 2022 set a precedent that the players will strive to exceed, while also overcoming the emotional scars from the controversial Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final against Senegal, where they ultimately were awarded the title after Senegal protested a penalty awarded to Morocco.
Ouahbi's background as a coach adds a compelling narrative to Morocco's campaign. Born in Brussels, he initially pursued a career in education before discovering his passion for coaching at Maccabi Foot Brussels. His extensive experience in youth development, particularly at the Anderlecht academy, has equipped him with the skills to nurture talent and inspire his players. The successful Under-20 World Cup campaign in 2022, which saw Morocco clinch their first title in two decades, is a testament to his capabilities.
Among the standout talents in the Moroccan squad is Achraf Hakimi, who has achieved remarkable success with top clubs like Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter, and Paris Saint-Germain. His influence on the field is significant, and he is regarded as one of the most prominent figures in Moroccan football history. In addition to Hakimi, rising stars like Neil El Aynaoui and Noussair Mazraoui are poised to play pivotal roles in Morocco's quest for glory in North America. El Aynaoui, a dynamic midfielder, and Mazraoui, a versatile defender, are expected to be key contributors to the team's success.
Moroccan fans, renowned for their passion and loyalty, are set to make their presence felt in North America, supported by a substantial diaspora across the region. The deep-rooted connections between Morocco and the United States further enhance the atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement surrounding the tournament. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning ticket prices set by FIFA, which have sparked concerns among fans eager to support their national team.
As reported by theguardian.com.
