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This content was machine-translated from the French version.
The 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will mark a major shift in international football. With 48 teams qualifying, the format will offer more opportunities to both established and emerging nations, whilst presenting new challenges for national team managers. Among them, Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco’s manager, has warned of a potentially formidable opponent: Canada. His observation highlights the strategic importance of this fixture, particularly as the two teams could face each other as early as the group stages.
The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, due to come into effect from 2026, changes the rules of the game. Qualification is becoming more complex, with additional matches and a variety of possible scenarios. For Canada, this tournament represents a historic opportunity to demonstrate their calibre against teams such as Morocco, which has made notable progress in recent tournaments. The Atlas Lions, East African champions in 2022, have proven their strength, but Ouahbi remains wary of the Canadian challenge, as they could capitalise on their own dynamism.
The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, due to come into effect from 2026, changes the rules of the game.
The Moroccan manager emphasised the importance of the Canadian side, known for its tactical discipline and ability to perform in a multicultural environment. These qualities, combined with the experience gained by some players in foreign leagues, make them a formidable opponent. For Ouahbi, preparing for such a match requires an in-depth analysis of potential weaknesses, whilst remaining focused on the goal of qualification.
Since their return to the World Cup in 2018, Morocco have cemented their place amongst the world’s elite. Their run at Qatar 2022, where they reached the quarter-finals, has redefined their ambitions. This experience, brought by players accustomed to high-pressure situations, bolsters their credibility. However, Ouahbi is not taking anything for granted: he knows that every match counts, especially against a team like Canada, who could capitalise on their own motivation.
Canada, for its part, is showing steady progress. Their performance at the 2024 Copa América and their results in the North American qualifiers show that they are ready to rise to the challenge. Their clash with Morocco could prove a crucial test for both teams, both tactically and symbolically. In 2026, the World Cup promises to bring together football associations such as Canada’s, which is seeking to establish itself as an emerging force in North American football.
In short, Mohamed Ouahbi embodies the caution of an expert who understands the risks posed by each opponent. His warning about Canada reflects a reality: in such a vast tournament, no team can be underestimated. The Atlas Lions, like all participants, will have to adapt to this new environment, where every detail could decide their fate.
