Morocco will feel under to pressure to emulate the success of the Qatar 2022 World Cup [Getty/file photo]
The Moroccan national team will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer in the United States, Canada and Mexico, carrying the momentum of their achievement in Qatar 2022. Still, they have haunted memories of the 1998 World Cup in France, as they will once again face key opponents.
Morocco achieved a major milestone in Arab and African football at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by reaching the semi-finals for the first time in their history. However, the “Atlas Lions” will compete in Group C at the 2026 World Cup alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti, reviving memories for sports fans and taking them back to what happened in France in 1998.
Morocco faced Brazil in Group A of the 1998 World Cup in France, but Mustapha Hadji’s teammates suffered a painful setback, tasting defeat by three goals to nil.
The goals were scored by Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Bebeto, a result that caused them significant difficulties, especially as they were eliminated in the first round.
Although Morocco gained revenge over Brazil in a friendly match held in March 2025, when Achraf Hakimi’s teammates secured a 2-1 victory, the upcoming encounter at the 2026 World Cup remains highly significant for the side led by coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
The match carries special importance because winning and taking all three points would mean continuing the path established by Qatar’s 2022 World Cup title.
As for the second match against Scotland, Morocco knows how to defeat its opponent, having done so at the 1998 World Cup in France with a 3-0 victory, thanks to a brace from Salaheddine Bassir and a goal by Abdeljalil Hadda.
However, the reality has changed ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as Scotland possesses a generation capable of producing surprises.
Morocco’s players know well that results and victory are the real objectives if they want to continue building on the achievement of Qatar 2022. Defeating Brazil and Scotland would effectively overcome the toughest test of the group stage at the 2026 World Cup, where Mohamed Ouahbi’s side is expected to be a formidable force.
Article translated from Arabic by Afrah Almatwari. To read the original, click here.
