Sport

Senegalese media praise Morocco’s World Cup 2026 run after dominant Canada victory

Sunday 05 July 2026 - 13:30

By: Sahili Aya

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Morocco’s qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has drawn widespread praise from Senegalese media, with several leading outlets highlighting the team's maturity, tactical discipline and growing ability to establish itself among world football’s elite.

Following a convincing 3-0 victory over Canada, commentators in Senegal described the Atlas Lions as genuine contenders, suggesting that the historic semi-final run achieved in Qatar in 2022 was no isolated achievement but part of a sustained rise in international football.

Media see Morocco confirming its global credentials

Sports outlet Wiwsport argued that Morocco has demonstrated its consistency on the biggest stage, stressing that the team's success four years ago can no longer be viewed as a one-off performance. The publication noted that the North African side once again showed resilience by overcoming a determined Canadian team to secure a place in the last eight.

The outlet added that Morocco will now prepare to face the winner of the quarter-final qualifier between France and Paraguay.

Tactical adjustments earn recognition

State-owned daily Le Soleil focused on Morocco's tactical approach under head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, noting that the team initially struggled to create attacking opportunities while operating in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The newspaper also pointed to the first-half injury suffered by Ismaël Saibari as an early setback.

According to the publication, the match changed after the break when Azzedine Ounahi opened the scoring following a move initiated by captain Achraf Hakimi, allowing Morocco to gradually take full control of the contest.

Individual performances impress observers

Several Senegalese news platforms praised the performances of Morocco's standout players.

Senenews highlighted the team's efficiency and collective control, suggesting that the victory reinforces expectations of a potential quarter-final showdown with France.

Seneweb described Morocco as "imperial" against Canada, pointing to the physical intensity of a match that produced eight yellow cards while praising Ounahi's two-goal display and the defensive organisation that limited Canada's attacking threat.

Senego also underlined Morocco's pragmatic approach, naming Ounahi as the match's standout performer and applauding Brahim Diaz for providing two assists during the convincing victory.

Momentum builds ahead of the quarter-finals

The enthusiastic reaction from Senegalese media reflects the growing respect Morocco has earned across African football. As the Atlas Lions advance deeper into the tournament, expectations continue to rise that the team could once again challenge the traditional powers of world football.

With confidence building after another commanding performance, Morocco now turns its attention to the quarter-finals, aiming to extend one of the most successful World Cup campaigns ever achieved by an African nation.