​Four years after reaching the World Cup semi-finals for the first time, Morocco is setting course for North America with lofty ambitions and a squad that arguably boasts a stronger pedigree than the one that impressed in Qatar. History sometimes repeats itself, and in this case Morocco hopes the pattern holds. Just as in 2022, the head coach has been replaced and a new chief is in charge. In March, Mohamed Ouahbi, the architect behind Morocco’s Under-20 World Cup triumph last year, took over from Walid Regragui.
The change means the Atlas Lions will have limited time to acclimate to Ouahbi’s methods and philosophy. At the end of March, Morocco drew 1-1 with Ecuador and beat Paraguay 2-1, signaling some progress compared with the form on display under Regragui. Ouahbi favors a clear 4-2-3-1 shape that can morph into a 4-2-2-2 to carve out a corridor of space in front of captain Achraf Hakimi on the right flank. The biggest test ahead for this Moroccan side will be to meet, and perhaps surpass, the expectations that cling to their shoulders. In 2022 they exceeded almost everyone’s predictions by advancing far; in 2026 they sit among the world’s top ten teams in the rankings, which keeps the pressure relentless. “I am aware of the expectations, but I am deeply honoured,” Ouahbi said at his unveiling. “I am committed to working with seriousness, humility and determination, and also with a great sense of patriotism to continue the progress of this team,” he added.
Mentally, this squad has already pushed through several barriers: reaching the semi-finals and cracking the top ten of the FIFA rankings. Yet in January, Morocco endured one of the most puzzling episodes in their football history. In the AFCON final, Senegal withdrew from the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded to Morocco. After a lengthy delay, Brahim Diaz’s Panenka penalty was saved, and Senegal went on to win 1-0. Two months later, the Confederation of African Football awarded the title to Morocco. Senegal has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and regardless of the outcome, the final’s fallout could still ripple through the team if results falter. “We all lived a trauma as Moroccans. That final was a difficult moment, but what matters most is continuity,” Ouahbi affirmed. “Continuity means matching or surpassing what we achieved in Qatar.”
As in Russia and Qatar, Moroccan supporters will occupy their designated sections in the United States. Alongside a steadily growing base of fans able to follow the national team worldwide, Morocco benefits from a sizable diaspora across the Atlantic. Some 30,000 Moroccans live in New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts, with many more spread across Canada. So expect the Moroccan fan contingent to bring vibrant color and positive noise to stadiums both at home and away.
All told, Morocco’s journey to North America is about more than a series of matches. It is a continuation of a remarkable arc—a squad with proven pedigree, a coach newly in command, and a national program steadfast in chasing milestones. The challenges ahead are clear: translate the early signs of improvement into consistent results, and deliver performances equal to, if not greater than, those that secured their place among football’s elite in 2022. If Ouahbi can instill his vision quickly and the team maintains the unity and resolve they showed in Qatar, the dream of extending their run in 2026—perhaps beyond the group stage—will remain firmly within reach.