African champions Morocco travel to the World Cup in shock
The “title of shame” paralyzes the Atlas Lions
Updated May 6, 2026 – 3:59 p.mReading time: 7 minutes
As African continental champions, Morocco should actually go into the World Cup with a big chest. But the scandalous title shook the team.
The reigning winner of the Africa Cup of Winter should actually travel to North America with a big chest. But the title was not a triumph, but a scandal and did little to give the “Atlas Lions” self-confidence.
The final in their own country against Senegal turned into a farce. After a controversial penalty for Morocco in stoppage time, the Morocco and Senegal players discussed with the referee for minutes, packs formed and the game stopped several times. At the same time, scenes off the ball escalated: Moroccan ball boys and players attacked Senegal’s goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and took away his towel. Substitute keeper Yehvann Diouf was pressured and fell to the ground.
The game ended, Senegal left the pitch and only returned after a long period of reflection. Brahim Díaz missed the penalty miserably and Senegal won the game in extra time. Weeks later, the African Football Association punished Senegal for the scandal and its refusal to continue the game. Morocco became African champions, but not on the green grass, but at the green table. A title of shame.
With Mohamed Ouahbi, a coach from our own association is taking over. Not a big name, but an analyst. The team remains individually strong – many professionals play for top clubs in Europe. But stability can no longer be taken for granted. Morocco travels to the World Cup full of doubts.
Qualification was not a walkthrough for Morocco. There were moments that say a lot about this team.
In Tanzania, one scene is enough to decide the game. Winning the ball in the center, a quick look from Amrabat, then the pass into the depths. Hakimi starts from behind his opponent, picks up the pace, flat cross, goal. After that, Morocco retreats, condenses the center and hardly allows anything. No pressure, no risk – just control.
Things are getting restless in Zambia. A long ball behind the defense, once improperly coordinated – deficit. For a moment the team seems unsure. The answer doesn’t come from the game, but from a standard situation. Ziyech brings the corner sharply to the first post, the ball is extended, equalizer. Shortly before the end there is a typical switching moment: ball win, two contacts, finish.
The game against Niger feels different. Morocco has the ball almost constantly. But little happens. The opponent stands deep, shifts in a disciplined manner, takes up the space between the lines. The game seems static for minutes. Then a long-range shot deflected – goal. Suddenly spaces open up because the opponent has to react.
