Morocco National Team Edges Closer to Third Consecutive World Cup Qualification
After a remarkable performance in 2022, Morocco leads Group F in the African qualifiers amid a restructuring in the competition.
The Morocco national football team is on the brink of achieving a historic milestone by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time.
This potential accomplishment would further solidify Morocco’s standing in international football, especially following their impressive performance in the 2022 World Cup, where they became the first Arab and African team to reach the semi-finals.
Since the commencement of the African qualifiers, Morocco has established dominance in Group F, which now comprises only four teams following the disqualification of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
As it stands, Morocco leads the group with 6 points from two matches, tied with Tanzania, which has played an additional game.
The DRC's disqualification resulted from a decision by FIFA to suspend the Congolese Football Federation due to government interference in the sport, violating FIFA's regulations that mandate the independence of national associations.
This decision annulled all of Congo’s results in the qualifiers, unexpectedly advantaging Morocco, which now faces fewer competitors and matches on its path to World Cup qualification.
Under the current circumstances, Morocco requires only two additional victories in the upcoming matches to secure their official qualification for the 2026 World Cup, irrespective of the outcomes of the remaining fixtures.
The road to the World Cup thus appears increasingly achievable for the Moroccan team.
With two crucial matches remaining against Niger and Tanzania scheduled for March, winning both would ensure Morocco's direct qualification to the World Cup, eliminating the need to await the results of other matches.
The team is now one step away from achieving this historic feat.
This generation of Moroccan players is notable not only for its remarkable results but also for the strong character displayed in major tournaments.
Following a stunning showing at the Qatar World Cup, where they defeated formidable European teams such as Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, Morocco continues to build on that success to affirm their status as a rising power in international football.
Key to this upward trajectory has been the stability in coaching and administration under manager Walid Regragui, which has instilled confidence in the players.
The presence of a host of professional stars playing in major European leagues, including Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Brahim Diaz, and Sofyan Amrabat, provides the team with balance and strength across various positions.
Should Morocco officially qualify for the tournament, they will be the first Arab and African team to participate in three consecutive World Cups.
This achievement would reflect the ongoing development of Moroccan football and its resilience at the continental competition.
The nation has previously participated in six World Cups since its debut in 1970, highlighted by their historic first round advancement in 1986, making them the first African team to reach the knockout stage.
The forthcoming match against Niger on March 17 will be pivotal for Morocco as they aim to secure qualification early and avoid complex scenarios in the final rounds.
Moroccan fans, known for their passionate support, eagerly await this moment, looking forward to seeing their team secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup.