When most people think of the FIFA World Cup, they picture countries like France, Spain, Argentina and Brazil.But Morocco, a nation without the same storied soccer history, is making a compelling case as a dark-horse contender.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Four years after becoming the first Arab team to reach the World Cup semifinals, Morocco arrives with a roster of stars — including Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz and captain Achraf Hakimi, fresh off a Champions League title with Paris-St.
Germain.Their experience is helping shape hungry young talents like Bilal el Khannous and Ayyoub Bouaddi, tenacious midfielders who refuse to surrender possession.Fans flew in to witness one of the most competitive matches of this early phase of the 2026 World Cup — a 1-1 draw packed with players aspiring to become national heroes this summer.“It’s a difficult game to start against a great team of good players.
We had a lot of intensity at the start, we kept pushing in the second half,” Chemsdine Talbi told NBC News.“Unfortunately, we did not get the second goal but it was a good game to start this World Cup.” It’s a strong opening for the Atlas Lions, but the expectation is to go even further than their third-place finish in 2022.“If you’re asking me [if] I want to have the same trajectory — no,” head coach Mohamed Ouahbi told reporters after the match.
“I want to go beyond the semifinals.It was a good match.
It was one point — we hoped for more, but one is good enough, and we’ll improve.”The North African national team showed remarkable connectivity on short passes, creative footwork and blistering speed that pinned Brazil in their own field for much of the first half, forcing them onto the back foot from the opening whistle.The first goal came from Ismeal Saibari in the 21st minute, the product of a stunning transition out of trouble in front of Morocco’s net.After re...