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The 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time in its history, will mark a major development in international football. Jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, this edition promises to be an exceptional event, with 104 matches scheduled over more than two months. Among the teams to watch, the Canadian side, known as the ‘Red Devils’, could find themselves facing Morocco, a major force in sub-Saharan Africa, in the decisive stages of the tournament. This hypothetical encounter epitomises the mix of surprise and tension that will characterise this World Cup, where traditional powerhouses will have to adapt to a broader and more competitive format.
Canada, which has never reached the semi-finals of a World Cup, has made significant progress in recent years. Its squad, made up of players from diverse backgrounds, reflects the country’s diversity and has shown a growing ability to compete with emerging teams. Their aim for 2026 would be to continue a journey that could culminate in a clash against a team such as Morocco, which has maintained its status as a powerhouse in African football thanks to solid performances in the Africa Cup of Nations and qualifying campaigns.
Canada, which has never reached the semi-finals of a World Cup, has made significant progress in recent years.
Morocco, for its part, has demonstrated its strength by winning the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, a feat that has redefined its ambitions. Its style of play, based on defensive solidity and efficiency on the break, makes it a team capable of springing a surprise in such a large-scale tournament. A clash between these two nations, should it come to pass, would echo the history of East-West rivalries, where emerging teams are on the rise.
The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams is changing the rules of the game, opening up places for nations that have historically been marginalised. For Canada, this represents a unique opportunity to take part in a major event, but also brings increased pressure. Matches against teams such as Morocco, although not guaranteed, symbolise the stakes of a tournament that seeks to bring cultures closer together and celebrate unprecedented diversity.
All in all, 2026 could be a historic milestone for Canadian football, whilst presenting the challenge of a competition where every match becomes a turning point. Should the Canadian ‘heroes’ manage to make their mark in the knockout stages, they are set to take their place in the annals of world football, facing opponents such as Morocco, who embody the ambition and resilience of a rising generation.