The Moroccan national team produced an emphatic 5-0 victory over Burundi national football team in a closed-door friendly match as preparations intensified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The fixture, played at Mohammed VI Football Complex, formed part of Morocco’s final preparations before coach Mohamed Wahbi announces the squad that will represent the country at the tournament in North America.
The match was held behind closed doors at Wahbi’s request, with the Moroccan coach reportedly seeking to maintain complete secrecy around his tactical plans and player selections ahead of the global competition.
Despite a goalless first half, Morocco transformed the match after the interval with a dominant attacking display that produced five unanswered goals.
Youssef El Kaabi scored twice, while Tawfik Ben Tayeb also added a brace during the second half.
Soufiane Ben Jedida completed the scoring with Morocco’s fifth goal as the Atlas Lions overwhelmed their opponents in the latter stages of the match.
Wahbi Preparing Final World Cup Decisions
The friendly came at a significant moment for Morocco, with Wahbi expected to reveal the final World Cup squad later on the same day.
The coach is scheduled to hold a press conference to confirm the list of players selected for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Burundi match therefore represented a final opportunity for several players to impress the coaching staff before the official announcement.
Morocco’s convincing victory is likely to strengthen confidence within the squad as expectations continue to grow around the national team ahead of the competition.
The Atlas Lions have become one of Africa’s most closely watched sides in recent years, and the coaching staff appear determined to maintain momentum heading into the World Cup.
Further Friendlies Scheduled
Morocco still have two additional preparation matches before the tournament begins.
The national side are due to face Madagascar national football team in Rabat on Tuesday, 2 June, before travelling to the United States for a friendly against Norway national football team in New Jersey on Sunday, 7 June.
Those fixtures are expected to provide Wahbi with further opportunities to refine tactical details and assess player readiness ahead of the World Cup.
The decision to organise matches against opponents from different footballing styles also reflects Morocco’s broader preparation strategy before entering the tournament.
Morocco Facing Challenging World Cup Group
Morocco have been drawn in Group C alongside Brazil national football team, Scotland national football team and Haiti national football team.
The presence of Brazil means Morocco are expected to face one of the toughest challenges of the group stage, although supporters remain optimistic about the team’s chances of progressing.
The victory against Burundi offered another indication of Morocco’s attacking strength and squad depth ahead of the competition.
With El Kaabi rediscovering his scoring form and several attacking players impressing during the second half, the performance provided Wahbi with positive signs before confirming his final selections.
Attention will now turn to the coach’s squad announcement and the remaining friendly matches as Morocco continue preparations for one of the biggest tournaments in the nation’s football history.
