Morocco’s World Cup hopes clouded by managerial shake-up and AFCON fallout
The Confederation of African Football’s decision to award Morocco the 2025 AFCON title has sparked a legal battle at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, while key players face individual legal and fitness challenges ahead of the tournament opener against Brazil.
Morocco enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Group C under significant pressure to replicate their historic semi-final run from 2022, yet the team’s preparations have been dominated by off-field turmoil rather than tactical refinement. The appointment of Mohamed Ouahbi as head coach in March replaced Walid Regragui, a move the federation described as a strategic decision to take a different direction. Ouahbi, who previously led the Under-20 side to the 2025 Youth World Cup title, faces the immediate challenge of stabilising a squad still reeling from the chaotic conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal.
The controversy stems from the AFCON final in Rabat, where Senegal won 1-0 in extra time after Brahim Diaz missed a stoppage-time penalty. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) subsequently stripped Senegal of the title and awarded it to Morocco, ruling that the Senegalese team forfeited the match by walking off the pitch in protest. Senegal has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and lodged allegations against both CAF and Morocco, creating a toxic diplomatic and sporting environment that has overshadowed the national team’s build-up.
Ouahbi’s task is further complicated by the status of key personnel within the squad. PSG right-back Achraf Hakimi, last season’s CAF African Player of the Year, is scheduled to stand trial in France on rape allegations, which he denies. His season has also been marked by reduced attacking returns, though he remains a critical component of the team’s defensive structure. Additionally, Marseille defender Nayef Aguerd has been selected despite not playing since March due to injury, while top scorer Youssef En-Nesyri was omitted from the squad list.
The squad retains significant technical quality, with Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz expected to carry the offensive burden after winning the AFCON Golden Boot. Eighteen-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has been included after switching allegiances from France, adding a new dimension to the midfield alongside Sofyan Amrabat and Bilal El Khannouss. However, the lack of senior managerial experience for Ouahbi raises questions about his ability to manage the psychological weight of the ongoing AFCON saga and the high expectations of the federation.
Morocco’s Group C campaign begins on June 13 against Brazil in New Jersey, followed by matches against Scotland on June 19 and Haiti on June 24. While the fixtures offer opportunities to recover points, the combination of an inexperienced coach, legal distractions for key players, and the unresolved AFCON dispute presents a formidable barrier to matching the achievements of the 2022 campaign.
