Unbeaten in 34 matches – why Morocco are World Cup contenders
Unbeaten in 34 Matches - Why Morocco Are World Cup Contenders
Unbeaten in 34 matches - Morocco have advanced to the quarter-finals, overcoming co-host Canada in a decisive 3-0 victory. Their recent triumph, while not a display of artistic flair, underscores their resilience as they continue their fairy-tale journey in the World Cup.
Unorthodox Tactics in the Round of 16
Morocco's performance against Canada was unorthodox, with just five attempts on goal. The first half saw more yellow cards than shots, a historic first in World Cup history. Yet, the north African side's tenacity prevailed, and their ability to secure victories even when the play isn't graceful has solidified their reputation as a formidable force.
A Record of Unstoppable Consistency
Their 34-match unbeaten streak, including the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, remains a topic of debate. However, Morocco's consistency across all competitions is undeniably impressive. Their last loss, a 1-0 defeat to Kenya in August 2025, was in the African Nations Championship, a tournament featuring players from African domestic leagues.
Key Players Shine in Crucial Moments
In a meeting of two sides blessed by golden generations of talent, it was Morocco who shone. For Canada, injured Alphonso Davies was helpless on the bench as Morocco neutralised Stephen Eustaquio's dangerous passing and limited Jonathan David's impact. Meanwhile, captain Achraf Hakimi, arguably the world's best right back, was a constant menace both on the ball and in the Canadian players' faces, while Brahim Diaz contributed two assists. Diaz now holds the distinction of being the African player with the most World Cup knockout goals.
"The first half was very intense. There were a few adjustments to be made at half-time. We were never safe from pressure," said Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi during his post-match media conference. "What matters is we didn't change our identity, we didn't change our game philosophy. There were lots of ideas being thrown around and we took the best one. We are playing the World Cup which means there will be difficult moments. What matters is when we are not at our best, we have to be resilient. We have to remember who we are playing for and what we are playing for."
Morocco's four World Cup knockout wins match the combined totals of other African nations. Their success in the tournament, including a hard-fought draw against Brazil and contrasting victories over Scotland and Haiti, highlights their adaptability. The 4-2 win against Haiti, a team already eliminated, was a chaotic display of attacking energy.
In the round of 32, Morocco's narrow 2-1 win over the Netherlands relied on a stoppage-time header. Their upcoming quarter-final in Boston on 9 July presents another challenge, with potential clashes against France looming. Despite their current form, analysts suggest they may still have room to grow before facing tougher opponents.
"Morocco were just not at their very best, and there are tougher tests to come," said BBC 5 Live pundit Chris Sutton. "They surprised me with their lethargy at the start. I don't know whether there was a bit of arrogance in dismissing the Canada team. Something was amiss with their performance. Morocco were never going to perform as badly in the second half. The longer the game went on, the more they found their rhythm."