Morocco's football team is now redirecting its ambitions towards the 2030 World Cup after a disappointing quarterfinal exit on July 10, 2026, following a 2-0 defeat to France in Boston. This loss marked the end of their hopes to replicate their semifinal success from the previous World Cup.
Morocco's Historic Quarterfinal Journey
Despite the recent setback, Morocco's performance in the expanded 48-team tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the US is being hailed as a significant achievement. The team not only reached the quarterfinals but also became the first African nation to achieve this feat in consecutive tournaments. Their journey included a stunning upset against the Netherlands and a challenging opening match against Brazil.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who transitioned from leading the U-20 national team to the senior squad just three months prior, has been pivotal in guiding the team through this challenging period. His leadership was instrumental in Morocco's U-20 World Cup victory last year, setting high expectations for the senior team's future.
Looking Ahead to 2030 World Cup
As cohosts of the 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain, Morocco is automatically qualified for the tournament. Coach Ouahbi expressed optimism about the team's potential, stating, “We have a young team who want to grow, who will continue to do so. We have talented players who will enable us to grow.”
However, the path to success will not be easy. The team faces crucial Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2027 and 2028, where past failures have led to coaching changes. Ouahbi is aware of the pressures that come with coaching in Africa, where performance is closely scrutinized.
Challenges in the Africa Cup of Nations
Historically, Morocco has struggled in the Africa Cup of Nations, despite being highly ranked in Africa. The national team won its only championship in 1976 and was controversially awarded the 2025 title after Senegal was stripped of it. This decision remains under appeal and could be overturned.
Morocco's next challenge is the Cup of Nations qualifiers, starting in September, where they will compete against Gabon, Lesotho, and Niger. This group presents a manageable task, but for Morocco to make a mark in the 2030 World Cup, they will need to face tougher opponents to sharpen their skills.
“The Cup of Nations is not the World Cup. This is a different type of competition, with opponents that have different styles of play,” Ouahbi remarked, emphasizing the need for diverse match experiences to prepare adequately for the World Cup.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
