Ounahi: Morocco's Hidden Weapon Against the Samba

Four years ago, Azzedine Ounahi captured the spotlight at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, establishing himself as one of the tournament's standout discoveries due to his strong midfield presence and exceptional ability to break pressure and make a difference against the world's strongest teams. Since then, expectations have risen for the Moroccan star, who has become one of the key assets for the "Atlas Lions."

With the anticipated match against Brazil approaching in the opening of Morocco's campaign in the 2026 World Cup, attention is once again turning to the Girona player, who enters the tournament with high spirits after a successful season in which he regained much of his brilliance and confidence, both technically and physically.

The Brazil summit appears to be a perfect opportunity for Ounahi to reintroduce himself on the global stage, especially since the Moroccan national team will be in dire need of a player capable of controlling the pace of the game and maintaining possession under pressure. Additionally, they need someone who can connect the lines and create spaces in the midfield, roles that the Moroccan international excels at performing.

Despite the Brazilian national team possessing an arsenal of stars and extensive experience in major tournaments, Ounahi has previously demonstrated during the Qatar World Cup that he is capable of competing with the world's best players without any complexes or fear. This gives Moroccan fans additional reasons for optimism ahead of this anticipated match.

The success of Ounahi in imposing his rhythm in the midfield will be one of the decisive factors for the Moroccan national team. It could be a key element in creating balance and opening spaces for his teammates in the forward line, thereby enhancing the "Atlas Lions'" chances of achieving a positive result against one of the leading contenders for the world title.

The biggest bet remains whether the Moroccan audience will witness the same version that dazzled the world in Qatar four years ago. The answer will be determined on the field of MetLife Stadium, but it is certain that Azzedine Ounahi will be one of the standout names capturing attention in this anticipated clash against the Brazilian team.