Review of Strengths and Weaknesses of the Moroccan National Team Before the World Cup

The Moroccan national team is entering the 2026 World Cup with great ambitions and renewed hopes of continuing its remarkable presence on the global stage, having made history in the previous edition by becoming the first Arab and African team to reach the semi-finals.

The "Atlas Lions" arrive at the tournament hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico carrying a historical legacy they created in Qatar 2022. However, at the same time, they face a different challenge of dealing with the high expectations that now accompany them in every international appearance.

The draw placed Morocco in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, a group that presents an early and tough test for the team, especially with the anticipated opening match against the Brazilian giant at "MetLife" Stadium on June 13.

Elements of strength... a blend of experience and quality.

The Moroccan national team enters the tournament with a strong base of players with international experience, alongside a group of talents capable of making a difference in crucial moments.

Achraf Hakimi stands out as one of the team's most important assets due to his great speed and ability to quickly transition from defense to attack, consistently posing a threat down the right flank, whether through penetrations or decisive passes.

Ibrahim Diaz also represents a qualitative addition to the Moroccan attacking system due to his high individual skills and ability to create plays and score, which provides the team with diverse solutions in the final third of the field.

One of the key strengths is also the tactical flexibility of the team, as it can switch between an organized defensive style against major teams and an offensive approach that relies on pressing and possession when the match requires it.

This balance is reinforced by the presence of highly experienced players across various lines, led by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and Sofyan Amrabat, who are among the pillars that have played a pivotal role in the recent successes of the national team.

Morocco also benefits from the mental experience gained by the players after the historic achievement in Qatar, as the team has become more capable of handling pressure and major events compared to previous editions.

Points that need addressing

Despite the significant strengths of the team, some aspects still raise questions before the start of the competitions.

The main challenges lie in the relative difficulty the team faces against opponents that rely on defensive compactness and closing down spaces. Sometimes, there is a need for additional creative solutions to break through well-organized defenses and create opportunities from open play.

The team is facing a different psychological test this time, having transitioned from being a surprise team in the Qatar World Cup to one of the contenders expected to go far in the tournament. This increases the media and fan pressure on the players.

Additionally, there is the issue of renewing the lineup, as the team has undergone several changes compared to the squad that achieved the historic feat four years ago. This includes the absence of some prominent names, most notably Hakim Ziyech, which requires the new players to take on greater responsibilities and prove their ability to compete at the highest levels.

The discussion also highlights the limited ready-made options in some offensive positions, which could pose a challenge for the coaching staff if some key players are absent or their performance declines during the tournament.

The Moroccan national team will have an early opportunity to assess its readiness when it faces Brazil in the first round, in a match that could give the "Atlas Lions" a significant morale boost if they manage to achieve a positive result.

With the strength of the current lineup and the experience gained from the Qatar saga, Morocco possesses the elements that make it a tough competitor for all teams. However, success in repeating the historic achievement will depend on its ability to handle pressure, leverage its strengths, and find suitable solutions to the tactical challenges it will face on the path to the advanced stages.