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This content was machine-translated from the French version.
The 2026 World Cup, notable for its record-breaking format featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, promises to push the boundaries of footballing competition. For Morocco, the sole host of matches in Africa, this tournament could prove to be a truly unprecedented challenge. The Atlas Lions, who were runners-up in 2022, are among the long-standing teams to have taken part in several editions, but their journey could be marked by unexpected obstacles. Some observers are already referring to it as a ‘horrible nightmare’, an evocative metaphor linked to the tournament’s increasing complexity.
The expansion to 48 teams, with a larger group stage and additional matches, is changing the rules of the game. Teams eliminated in the early rounds are no longer out of the competition, but adjustments to the groups and the play-off matches could affect Morocco’s strategy. Morocco, accustomed to simpler groups in previous editions, will have to adapt to a busier schedule and a diverse range of opponents, ranging from established sides to emerging teams. This expansion, whilst promising, could also make matches more unpredictable, increasing the pressure on the traditional powerhouses.
The expansion to 48 teams, with a larger group stage and additional matches, is changing the rules of the game.
The geographical context of the matches in Morocco adds a further layer of complexity. Matches held in cities such as Casablanca or Rabat, often at local times that clash with the rest of the world, place a mental and physical strain on visiting teams. The passionate local supporters could prove to be a decisive factor, but the logistics of hosting an international tournament in a country geographically distant from the heart of European football could present unexpected challenges.
For Morocco, the rise of certain African and Asian teams, such as India and Japan, could make the road to success more arduous. The lack of recent matches against top-level teams from these regions could leave the manager facing strategic uncertainty. Furthermore, the pressure of high expectations – given the dual focus on both hosting the tournament and on-pitch performance – could weigh heavily on the players, especially if the opening matches yield cautious results.
Moroccan supporters, who have remained loyal to their team for decades, are expecting an ambitious display, but the vagaries of international football leave room for the unexpected. A gruelling group stage, inevitable injuries or tactical errors could turn the 2026 World Cup into a memorable ordeal. For the Atlas Lions, the challenge will be to turn this potential ‘nightmare’ into a historic adventure, where every match counts for more than in previous tournaments.