Following only five matchdays of the 2026 World Cup qualifying rounds, the Moroccan national squad has moved one step nearer to securing their spot after recording a convincing 2-0 victory against Tanzania on Tuesday, June 25.
This win featured an outstanding attacking performance, dispelling doubts raised in their prior game against Niger.
The Atlas Lions began energetically, generating two initial opportunities via Brahim Diaz and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli. Tanzania found it difficult to handle Morocco’s intense pressure, especially from Real Madrid’s Diaz, whose cross nearly led to a score but was cleared at the last second by the goalkeeper.
In the initial 30 minutes, Tanzania found themselves under considerable pressure against an unyielding Moroccan assault. Although a perilous free kick from about 25 meters away, delivered by Ezzalzouli, was thwarted by the Tanzanian defenders, their opponents maintained over 80% of ball control but failed to get a shot on frame, with most threats coming solely through cross passes.
Recognizing Morocco's control over the game, Tanzania almost went ahead just before halftime with a threatening attempt that barely missed Bounou's goalpost.
Morocco started the second half with equal intensity. In the 51st minute, Nayef Aguerd broke the deadlock. Following an Ezzalzouli corner kick, El Yamiq delivered a forceful header which was blocked by the keeper; however, the ball bounced to Aguerd, who capitalized on the opportunity and scored from the follow-up. Throughout this qualification phase, Aguerd has consistently stood out among Morocco’s players.
Morocco’s momentum continued when they were awarded a penalty in the 56th minute for a handball by a Tanzanian defender. Brahim Diaz converted it calmly in the 59th minute to double Morocco’s lead.
In the 63rd minute, Morocco aimed for another goal when Saibari received the ball inside the penalty area and tried a subtle chip shot, which was called offside. Shortly thereafter, Saibari from PSV Eindhoven was substituted with Eliesse Ben Seghir of AS Monaco, while Rahimi and Ounah came on as replacements for En-Nesyri and Ezzalzouli respectively.
Even though they were behind by two goals, Tanzania mounted a comeback with a powerful strike from distance in the 75th minute, which Bounou managed to save effectively. Later, during the last quarter of the game, Morocco nearly faced another threat when Aguerd lost possession dangerously; however, Msuva failed to capitalize on this opportunity and missed his chance from an advantageous spot.
During the closing moments, Adli, who took over for El Khannouss in the 85th minute, pushed ahead looking for a third goal, though without much determination.
Thanks to this victory, Morocco, which secured spots in the past two FIFA World Cup tournaments and advanced to the semifinals during the Qatar 2022 edition, now leads their qualifying group confidently. They have maintained an undefeated record across 12 games, including nine successive wins, which significantly bolsters their morale heading into the concluding phase of qualification.
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