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Rabat – Morocco have joined a small group of teams using one of the most unusual tactical ideas at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: deliberately kicking the ball out of play immediately after kick-off.
Instead of keeping possession and beginning an attack from their own half, the Atlas Lions send the ball toward the opposition’s corner area, giving their opponents a throw-in.
At first sight, the move appears wasteful. Morocco voluntarily surrender possession only seconds after the match begins.
However, the decision is not random. It is designed to place the opposition under immediate pressure and move the game into its half of the pitch.
Morocco prefers territory over early possession
The main objective is not to create a direct scoring chance from the kick-off. Morocco want to begin the match close to the opposition’s penalty area.
A defender receiving an early throw-in deep inside his own half has limited passing options. He can attempt a risky short throw, send the ball down the touchline or play it backward toward his goalkeeper.
Morocco can then push several players forward and press the first pass.
This approach suits Mohamed Ouahbi’s team because Morocco have energetic midfielders and attackers who are comfortable applying pressure.
Players such as Ismael Saibari, Azzedine Ounahi, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui can quickly close central passing lanes, while Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui can move high to pressure the wide areas.
The touchline also works as an extra defender. Once the opposition receives the ball near the corner, Morocco can limit the direction of play and attempt to force a rushed clearance.
A Way to avoid early risk
The tactic also protects Morocco during the opening moments of a match.
Trying to build from the back immediately can be dangerous, particularly against teams with fast and aggressive forwards.
A poor pass or an uncertain first touch could give the opposition an early opportunity close to Yassine Bounou’s goal.
By sending the ball deep, Morocco remove that immediate risk. Even if the opposition successfully clears the ball, the first challenge will normally take place near midfield rather than around Morocco’s penalty area.
Against a team such as Brazil, the approach also prevents technically gifted attackers from receiving the ball high up the pitch in the opening seconds.
It gives Morocco time to establish their defensive shape and begin the match on the front foot.
Part of Morocco’s Aggressive Identity
Morocco’s performances against Brazil and Scotland showed that the team are not satisfied with simply defending and waiting for counterattacks.
The Atlas Lions pressed aggressively, competed strongly for second balls and attempted to control matches through their midfield.
They dominated long periods of the 1-0 victory over Scotland and scored after only 71 seconds.
The deliberate kick out reflects the same mentality. Morocco are willing to give up possession temporarily if it helps them gain territory and create pressure.
The move also sends an early message to the opposition: Morocco intend to play the match in the other team’s half.
The tactic still carries risks
The strategy does not always work.
The opposing team may have a player capable of producing a long throw, allowing it to escape Morocco’s pressure. Defenders can also move several yards forward before taking the throw, reducing Morocco’s territorial advantage.
If the opposition wins the first aerial challenge, Morocco may have surrendered possession without gaining anything.
Even so, the tactic makes sense within Ouahbi’s system.
For Morocco, the opening kick is no longer about keeping the ball. It is about deciding where the first battle of the match will take place.
