Morocco World Cup favorites beat Scotland in group stage showdown

The assessment made by the Daily Mail is unequivocal: for the Scottish national team, facing Morocco now amounts to climbing Everest. Ranked sixth in the FIFA standings, just behind Brazil against whom they just drew spectacularly, the 2025 African champions are approaching this tournament with an unprecedented status. Armed with a staggering world record of 19 consecutive victories and a flawless qualifying campaign (eight wins in eight matches, 22 goals scored), the Lions of the Atlas no longer hide their ultimate ambition: lifting the trophy.

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This confidence is built on an assumed continental dominance, which English-language media describe as "ruthless." With its status as co-host of the 2030 World Cup and its colossal infrastructure investments, Morocco has forged a winning mentality. Regardless of the criticism leveled by Mali, South Africa, or Senegal during a recent electric Africa Cup of Nations, the Moroccans are charting their course with icy pragmatism, indifferent to controversies and entirely focused on their quest for global supremacy.

This demand for the highest level even resulted in a radical change on the bench last March. Following the unexpected resignation of Walid Regragui, the torch was passed to Mohamed Ouahbi, strong from his success at the U20 World Cup with the Young Lions. Preserving his predecessor’s possession philosophy, the former Anderlecht youth coach made offensive transitions much more direct. Nicknamed "Africa’s Arsenal" for its ruthless efficiency on set pieces, the national team has equipped itself with devastating tactical weapons.

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On the pitch, this alchemy is elevated by a pool of world-class talent that sends shivers down Scottish spines. British analysis highlights several essential profiles:

• Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz: The two spearheads of the project, figureheads of a modern and hyper-ambitious Morocco.

• Ayyoub Bouaddi: The 18-year-old Lille prodigy (former captain of the French U21s), whose recent integration into midfield is hailed as a masterstroke.

• Ismael Saibari, Bilal El Khannouss, and Noussair Mazraoui: A technical backbone of the highest caliber, capable of performing with disconcerting ease against the world’s best nations.