Morocco edges closer to 2026 World Cup qualification with dominant win over Tanzania

After just five matchdays of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Moroccan national team is edging closer to qualification with a dominant 2-0 win over Tanzania on Tuesday, June 25.

This victory came with a brilliant offensive display, erasing concerns from their previous match against Niger.

The Atlas Lions started strong, creating two early chances through Brahim Diaz and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli. Tanzania struggled to cope with Morocco’s high intensity, particularly from Real Madrid’s Diaz, who crossed a ball for En-Nesyri, only for the goalkeeper to clear it just in time.

For the first 30 minutes, Tanzania was overwhelmed by Morocco’s relentless attack. A dangerous free kick from 25 meters out, taken by Ezzalzouli, was blocked by the Tanzanian defense. Despite dominating possession (over 80%), Morocco had yet to register a shot on target, with only crosses creating some threat.

Aware of Morocco’s dominance, Tanzania nearly took the lead before halftime with a dangerous shot that narrowly missed Bounou’s post.

The second half began just as strongly for Morocco. In the 51st minute, Nayef Aguerd opened the scoring. After an Ezzalzouli corner, El Yamiq’s powerful header was saved by the goalkeeper, but the ball fell to Aguerd, who netted the rebound. Aguerd has been one of Morocco’s standout performers in this qualifying campaign.

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.

Morocco pushed for a third in the 63rd minute when Saibari, after receiving the ball in the box, attempted a delicate chip that was ruled offside. A few minutes later, PSV Eindhoven’s Saibari made way for AS Monaco’s Eliesse Ben Seghir, while Rahimi and Ounah replaced En-Nesyri and Ezzalzouli.

Despite the two-goal deficit, Tanzania fought back with a long-range shot in the 75th minute that Bounou saved well. Then, in the final 15 minutes, Morocco almost conceded following a dangerous turnover by Aguerd, but Msuva missed the target from a good position.

In the dying minutes, Adli, who replaced El Khannouss in the 85th minute, surged forward in search of a third goal, but with little conviction.

With this win, Morocco, who qualified for the last two World Cups and reached the semifinals in Qatar 2022, is firmly in control of their qualifying group. They remain unbeaten in 12 matches, with nine consecutive victories, boosting their confidence as they approach the final stages of qualification.