MOROCCO BRACES FOR WORLD CUP 2026 REMATCHES
Morocco's World Cup 2026 campaign will pit them against three familiar opponents, creating a group-stage narrative centered on revenge and redemption. According to reporting from The New Arab, the Atlas Lions landed in a group featuring Belgium, Croatia, and Canada—three nations they have faced in recent competitive windows.
The draw carries particular weight for Morocco's head coach Walid Regragui. Belgium eliminated Morocco from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a loss that still stings the North African nation. That previous encounter gives Regragui's squad tactical film, psychological understanding, and a clear motivation entering the tournament. The rematch factor transforms what could be a routine group stage into something with genuine stakes and history attached.
Belgium itself faces uncertain transition. Their so-called "Golden Generation" has aged. Eden Hazard is long retired. Thibaut Courtois, Jan Vertonghen, and other pillars are either past their prime or have exited international football. Meanwhile, Morocco showed in Qatar 2022 that they could compete at the highest level, reaching the semi-finals before losing to France. They beat Spain and Portugal along the way, proving their capacity to defeat traditional powerhouses.
Canada and Croatia round out the group. Canada qualified for 2022 but performed poorly. Croatia remains dangerous—they reached the 2022 final—but their 2026 squad will be significantly older, with key players like Luka Modric potentially phased out or reduced in minutes. Neither opponent should pose the challenge Belgium does, but complacency is dangerous in tournament football.
For Morocco, the timeline matters. The 2026 World Cup takes place in June, meaning their domestic league seasons will conclude only weeks before squad announcements. Player fitness and form entering the tournament could prove decisive. Additionally, the expanded 48-team format means group dynamics shift; teams with superior depth and squad rotation options gain advantage.
Regragui must use the familiarity advantage strategically. His coaching staff now has concrete data on Belgium's 2026 system, Canadian tactics, and Croatian weaknesses. Morocco's path to advancing depends on winning at least two matches and managing goal difference carefully. Belgium likely remains favorites, but nothing is guaranteed in tournament football, especially with aging rosters and transitional periods affecting multiple nations in this group.