Morocco

In CAF qualifying for 2026 Morocco came through their group strongly with a record around 5–1–0 from the first six fixtures, scoring roughly 12–14 and conceding 2–3, and they extended that efficiency in the final qualifying window to top their group comfortably. They entered the 2026 World Cup ranked inside FIFA’s top 15, reflecting a multi-year run that includes a World Cup semi-final in 2022 and deep AFCON runs with a goal difference typically hovering around +0.7 to +1.0 per game in competitive fixtures. Drawn into a 3-team pod in a 48-team format, they face at least one other top-20 side and one lower-ranked opponent, and underlying metrics (xG for and against, shot suppression, and set-piece output) project them as favourites to reach the last 16 and competitive for a quarter-final. Their realistic ceiling is another quarter-final or an outside-shot semi-final if key creators (Ziyech, Ounahi) stay fit and they maintain their defensive levels—allowing <0.9 xG against per match and continuing to generate ~1.5+ xG for—while avoiding injuries in a relatively thin attacking depth chart.

Morocco’s press is organized and opponent-triggered rather than constant: since 2022 their PPDA has typically hovered in the 9–11 range vs strong opposition and 7–9 vs weaker sides, reflecting selective high pressure with a compact mid-block. Out of possession they defend in a narrow 4-1-4-1 or 4-5-1, keeping the median defensive line around 40–45 metres from goal and allowing very few shots (often 6–8 total and <0.8 xG against per game across AFCON 2023 and 2026 qualifying). In possession they build with the centre-backs splitting, the 6 dropping between them, full-backs pushed high and one 8 (often Ounahi) occupying the right half-space, yielding high box-entries (10–13 touches in the opposition box per game) more from wide overloads than central through-balls. On set pieces Morocco are a significant threat, scoring roughly 0.25–0.3 goals per game from corners and wide free-kicks since the 2022 World Cup, but they have conceded around 25–30% of their goals in this period from second phases after defending the initial delivery. Game-state wise they become more passive when leading (possession dropping 3–5 percentage points and PPDA rising by ~2–3), but when trailing they raise the defensive line, introduce an extra attacker and often reach >60% possession and ~2.0 xG in those chase phases.

Under Walid Regragui Morocco typically line up in a 4-3-3 that can tilt into a 4-1-4-1 without the ball and a 2-3-5 in settled possession. From 2022 through AFCON 2023 and 2026 qualifying they averaged roughly 52–55% possession, sitting closer to 47–49% vs top-20 opponents and 58–60% vs weaker African sides. Their non-penalty xG for in AFCON 2023 and CAF 2026 qualifying combined sits around 1.6–1.8 per 90, while non-penalty xG against is held under 0.8 per 90, reflecting a clear defense-first tilt with efficient counter-attacking. They progress the ball via full-backs and the half-spaces rather than long balls, yet still average 3–4 direct attacks and ~1.3 goals per game, with crosses and cut-backs a major chance source.

Achraf Hakimi (RB/RWB, PSG): In the 2024–25 season for PSG he made around 35–40 league and Champions League appearances, contributing roughly 6–8 goals and 5–7 assists, while averaging ~0.20–0.25 xG+xA per 90 and 4–5 progressive carries per 90 from right-back. For Morocco in the 2026 cycle he is the primary outlet in wide build-up, provides width in the 2-3-5 structure and is on direct free-kicks and some corners, making his delivery and underlaps central to their chance creation. Defensively, his recovery pace allows Morocco to hold a relatively higher line on his flank and trap opponents wide. Sofyan Amrabat (DM, Manchester United): Across the 2024–25 club season he logged around 30–35 competitive appearances, averaging roughly 2.5–3.0 tackles and 1.5–2.0 interceptions per 90 with a pass completion above 85% on mostly short and medium distributions. For Morocco he anchors the single pivot in the 4-3-3/4-1-4-1, screening the back four, slowing counters and recycling possession, and he often leads the team in ball recoveries (typically 7–9 per 90) and pressures in the middle third. His positional discipline allows the advanced 8s and full-backs to push on without destroying rest-defense. Azzedine Ounahi (CM, Marseille): In 2024–25 he recorded roughly 25–30 Ligue 1 and European appearances with 3–5 goals and 3–5 assists, averaging around 4–6 progressive passes and 3–4 carries into the final third per 90. For Morocco he operates as the right-sided 8 or advanced interior, receiving in the half-space, breaking lines off the dribble and combining with Hakimi to create overloads that consistently generate shots from cut-backs. His pressing numbers—often 15–18 pressures per 90 with a high success rate—fit Regragui’s mid-block and counter-pressing triggers. Hakim Ziyech (RW/AM, Galatasaray): For his club in 2024–25 he made around 25–30 league and European appearances, contributing roughly 7–10 goals and 7–9 assists, and posting about 0.45–0.55 non-penalty xG+xA per 90 alongside high shot and key-pass volumes. For Morocco he plays as an inverted right winger or free playmaker, leading the side in key passes (often 2–3 per 90) and shot-creating actions via diagonals, switches and set-piece delivery. Regragui gives him license to float inside, with the structure adjusted so Hakimi or the right 8 holds width, accepting slightly reduced counter-press intensity to leverage his creative output. Youssef En-Nesyri (ST, Sevilla): In 2024–25 he tallied roughly 12–16 goals in 35–40 club appearances in all competitions, with ~0.45–0.55 non-penalty xG per 90 and a very high share of headed attempts and shots inside the box. With Morocco he is the penalty-box reference, leading the team for shots (usually 2.5–3.5 per 90) and aerial duels in the final third, attacking near-post and far-post zones on crosses and corners. His off-ball work—pressing centre-backs and running channels—sets the first line of the press and creates depth that opens space for Ounahi and Ziyech to receive between the lines. Bono (Yassine Bounou, GK, Al Hilal): Across the 2024–25 Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League campaigns he kept roughly 15–18 clean sheets in ~35–40 matches, saving close to 73–76% of shots faced and conceding fewer goals than expected by xG on target. For Morocco he is crucial in low-shot games, often facing only 2–4 shots on target but with a high save percentage, and his calm claiming of crosses helps mitigate their set-piece vulnerability. His distribution—favouring clipped passes to full-backs or the 6—supports Morocco’s measured build-up while maintaining a low turnover rate in their own third.