Morocco World Cup Squad.

Nickname: The Atlas Lions. 

Personal nickname: Ray of hope. 

Head Coach: Mohammed Ouahbi. The Belgium born Moroccan took over from the famous Walid Regragui that led Morocco to the semis. Ouahbi was previously in charge of the u-20 team. 

Group B( Brazil, Haiti and Scotland). 

World Rankings: 8th

Opening match: Brazil. 

Formation: 4:2:3:1. I do not expect a drastic change of formation under Ouahbi. The traditional 4:2:3:1 will be maintained with two holding midfielders offering protection. 

Pattern of play: There will be a slight emphasis on the fullbacks to remain home while the wingers drift in. This will especially be interesting with Hakimi being a marauding fullback. Expect intensity and quick passing. It is at the centre of the pitch I expect them to dominate. 

Best world cup finish: They finished 4th in the 2022 Qatar world Cup. The highest ever finish by an African Nation. 

Team captain: Achraf Hakimi. 

Oddity: In the 2022 world Cup Morocco became the only team with more than half (17) of their 26 man team to be born outside of the country ( Cape Verde might break it this summer). 

Best world cup moment: Youseff En Nesyri remarkable leap of faith ( 9 feet 1 inch) in the 42nd minute against Iberian neighbors Portugal is their best moment ever. That goal ensured Morocco advanced to the semifinals of the world Cup making history. A moment etched in African folklore. 

Worse world cup moment: So many to pick from. Losing the semis against France hurts. Yet, it'll be unfair to label that as the worse. I'll instead opt for the infamous "Nantes betrayal" In the 1998 world cup. 

Going into the final day, Morocco defeated Scotland 3-0. They needed Norway to either lose or draw against Brazil. Norway was 1:0 down to Brazil in the 89th minute sparking celebrations by the Moroccans. Two last minute goal by Norway, including one of the worse penalty ever awarded in world Cup history resulted in Norway defeating Brazil 2:1 and eliminating Morocco. 

Players to watch. 

Main man: 

Brahim Diaz: I can't see beyond him. He is a talent. The Madrid man makes Morocco all the better. He has a point to prove after the farce of the panenka. I expect him to have an excellent tournament. 

Issa Diop: The giant of a centre back made his switch to Morocco just in time for the tournament. The Fulham man will play an immense role for Morocco this tournament. He is the man brought him to replace former captain Romain Saiss. His Commading presence will prove to be very useful in a tournament that might be determined by slim margins. 

Isamael Saibiri: The psv man is on fire. He just had his best club season ever. He will play a crucial role. Adds immense creativity and power. I expect him to feature more prominently under this new management. 

Expectations: When a country sacks a coach for finishing second ( initially) you should know how much that country expects from their national team. They're 8th in the world and anything less than a quarterfinal place will be deemed as a failure. 

My prediction: They will go farther than any African team. I expect them to replicate or come close to replicating 2022. They're an amazing side. I am eager to see how they respond to new management. 

World cup chances: If an African team will win the tournament, it'll be Morocco. I am not entirely ruling out the impossible