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The upcoming 2026 World Cup will mark a major turning point for international football, with the expansion to 48 teams and the historic joint hosting by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Among the teams in contention, Canada is looking to consolidate its presence on the world stage, having already taken part in several previous tournaments. The Atlas Lions, on the other hand, are entering a new era, driven by an ambitious generation keen to put North Africa on the international map. Morocco, which has enjoyed memorable successes such as qualifying for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, is keen to reinforce its image as a major force in African and global competitions. The challenges are many, but the experience gained since the 1970s – notably during the famous 1970 final against East Germany – remains a source of inspiration for today’s generations.
The format of the upcoming tournament, featuring 104 matches and an initial group of 12 teams, offers more opportunities for emerging sides such as Canada. The Canadian Renegades, who have shown steady improvement under their manager, will have the opportunity to play several matches to their advantage, particularly in stadiums abroad. Their aim? To showcase cultural and geographical diversity in world football. For Morocco, the 2026 World Cup will also be an opportunity to demonstrate its tactical maturity and its ambition to become a leading force in African football. The defenders and midfielders, accustomed to the challenges of continental championships and the Nations League, will have to adapt to a gruelling pace and a variety of opponents.
The format of the upcoming tournament, featuring 104 matches and an initial group of 12 teams, offers more opportunities for emerging sides such as Canada.
Matches against teams such as Spain or the Netherlands, which have historically dominated European football, could prove instructive for young Moroccan players. These fixtures, often characterised by tactical breakthroughs and individual performances, offer valuable insight into the demands of a world-class tournament. Canada, for its part, could capitalise on a supportive home crowd and modern facilities to approach the knockout stages with confidence. Preparations, which have been underway for several months, include friendly matches in North America and friendly tournaments in Europe, with a view to testing playing systems and combinations. The coaches are working to strike the right balance between experience and fresh talent, whilst adapting to the weather conditions and the stadiums.
North Africa, for its part, is counting on the momentum provided by the 2026 World Cup to strengthen its position in world football. Teams such as Egypt, Algeria and Morocco are all keen to prove their technical and tactical superiority against the traditional powerhouses. Set-piece play, quick transitions and high-pressing tactics will be key elements in cracking the code of team play. Morocco, with its ambitions, could also benefit from the unwavering support of its diaspora, spread across several countries, which embodies the cultural richness of African football. The coming months will be crucial in assessing the strength of a team that has gone from strength to strength, particularly following the events of Qatar 2022. There is plenty of hope, but the expectations are high.