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Rabat – Morocco’s 2026 FIFA World Cup journey has quickly emerged as one of the toughest routes faced by any nation in the tournament so far.
French outlet Foot Mercato highlighted that, out of the competition’s 88 scheduled matches, only two have featured clashes between FIFA Top 10-ranked nations, and Morocco has been involved in both.
The Atlas Lions, currently ranked sixth in the world, already faced fifth-ranked Brazil during the group stage before being drawn against seventh-ranked Netherlands in the Round of 32.
Despite finishing level on points with Brazil in Group C, Morocco ended second due to goal difference, setting up an early knockout clash against one of the tournament’s favorites.
The situation has fueled debate online regarding FIFA’s expanded 48-team format, with some fans pointing out that several third-placed teams have received considerably easier knockout matchups.
Meanwhile, other fixtures in the Round of 32 saw second-placed teams face each other directly, including the Canada-South Africa match.
Foot Mercato described Morocco as “the least spared team” of the tournament so far, given the caliber of opponents Mohamed Ouahbi’s side has had to face since the opening round.
Still, Morocco enters the Netherlands clash carrying growing momentum after an unbeaten group-stage campaign that included a draw against Brazil and victories over Scotland and Haiti.
The Atlas Lions now face what could be one of the standout ties of the Round of 32 as they continue their pursuit of another historic World Cup run.
