Ayoub El Kaabi is facing mounting scrutiny after a recent goal drought with Olympiacos, raising concerns among supporters of the Moroccan national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The striker has failed to score in his last three matches for the Greek side, a run that comes at a sensitive moment with less than two months remaining before the global tournament. His dip in form has drawn attention given his importance to Morocco’s attacking plans.
Recent Form Signals Dip in Performance
El Kaabi last found the net on 14 March, when he scored twice against Crete in the Greek league. Since then, however, he has been unable to add to his tally, with his performances coinciding with mixed results for Olympiacos.
During this period, the club recorded a goalless draw against Larissa, followed by a 1-0 defeat to AEK Athens. They later secured a 2-0 victory over Panathinaikos, though El Kaabi again failed to score.
The team’s recent results have underlined the impact of the striker’s reduced output, with his absence from the scoresheet seen as a contributing factor to their inconsistency.
Key Role in Morocco’s World Cup Plans
Despite his current struggles, El Kaabi remains a central figure in Morocco’s attacking setup. He is expected to play a significant role under coach Mohamed Wahbi during the upcoming World Cup campaign.
His importance to the national team was highlighted during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he delivered standout performances. The forward scored three goals in the tournament and gained widespread attention for his technical ability, including a notable scissor-kick goal against Comoros. He later replicated a similar effort against Zambia, reinforcing his reputation as a decisive attacking presence.
Balancing Form and Expectations
The contrast between El Kaabi’s recent club form and his international performances has become a point of discussion among fans and analysts. While temporary dips in form are not uncommon, the timing of this goal drought has heightened concern due to the proximity of the World Cup.
For Olympiacos, improving the striker’s output will be key to maintaining attacking consistency in the closing stages of the season. For Morocco, the priority will be ensuring that El Kaabi regains confidence and sharpness in front of goal before the tournament begins.
Pressure Builds Ahead of Global Stage
As the World Cup approaches, El Kaabi’s form will remain under close observation. His ability to rediscover his scoring touch could prove crucial not only for his club but also for Morocco’s ambitions on the international stage.
While his recent performances have raised questions, his track record suggests he retains the capability to deliver when it matters most.
