Rabat – Morocco will face Saudi Arabia today in the Arab Cup at Lusail Stadium. The match is decisive for Group B. Saudi Arabia already has six points from two wins and is qualified for the quarterfinals.
Morocco sits second with four points after a win and a draw. A draw today would be enough for Morocco to advance, but coach Tarik Sektioui has said his team will play for victory to finish first in the group.
The two teams share a long rivalry. They have met nine times, with Morocco winning four, Saudi Arabia winning three, and two draws.
Their first meeting was on September 6, 1961, at the Pan Arab Games in Casablanca, where Morocco won 13–1, the biggest scoreline in the rivalry.
Other key matches include:
- 6 Sep 1961 – Pan Arab Games, Casablanca: Morocco 13–1 Saudi Arabia.
- 1 March 1974 – Friendly, Riyadh: 0–0 draw.
- 12 September 1976 – Friendly, Riyadh: Saudi Arabia 4–1 Morocco,
- 15 September 1976 – Friendly, Riyadh: Saudi Arabia 2–0 Morocco.
- 10 October 1976 – Pan Arab Games, Damascus: 0–0 draw.
- 3 October 1982 – Friendly, Riyadh: Saudi Arabia 2–1 Morocco.
- 1 August 1984 – Olympic Games, Pasadena: Morocco 1–0 Saudi Arabia.
- 25 June 1994 – FIFA World Cup, East Rutherford: Saudi Arabia 2–1 Morocco.
- 7 December 2021 – FIFA Arab Cup, Doha: Morocco 1–0 Saudi Arabia.
Morocco holds the advantage in this rivalry, with more wins and the biggest scoreline in their history, the famous 13–1 victory in 1961 at the Pan Arab Games.
The Atlas Lions have also beaten Saudi Arabia in key tournaments, including the 1984 Olympics and the 2021 Arab Cup group stage. These results show Morocco’s ability to rise in decisive matches.
Saudi Arabia has earned some important wins, such as the 1994 World Cup clash, but overall, Morocco’s record is stronger.
