Morocco will begin their Under-17 World Cup campaign against Fiji before facing China and Spain in a Group H schedule that becomes progressively more demanding.
The Atlas Lion Cubs are hoping to make a significant impact at the tournament and believe they have the quality to advance as far as possible. Their route through the opening stage, however, offers three distinctly different tests, with the toughest challenge saved for last.
Morocco’s first match is against Fiji on 20 November. Fiji are regarded as the least formidable side in the group, but Morocco will be aware that the opening fixture could still present a serious test. The match offers an opportunity to start the competition positively, while also carrying the risk of an unexpected setback if the North African side fail to approach it with sufficient discipline.
China will provide Morocco’s second opposition on 23 November. That encounter is expected to be more demanding than the opening game against Fiji and could prove important in shaping the group standings before the final round of fixtures.
The group-stage campaign will conclude with the biggest match on 26 November, when Morocco take on Spain. The fixture is expected to be decisive in determining which team finishes top of Group H. Spain’s arrival in the final round means Morocco may need to secure a strong position in their first two matches before facing the group’s headline contest.
Morocco will therefore need to combine their technical ability with tactical discipline if they are to progress beyond the first round and continue their run in the tournament. Their ability to remain organised while making the most of their quality on the ball could be crucial as the level of opposition increases from one game to the next.
The Atlas Lion Cubs have a clear route through the group: begin with Fiji, face a tougher challenge against China and then meet Spain in a match that could decide first place. If Morocco successfully navigate that sequence, their technical quality and tactical discipline will be relied upon to take them as far as possible in the competition.
Morocco’s Under-17 World Cup schedule
– 20 November, 14:00: Fiji v Morocco
– 23 November, 15:00: Morocco v China
– 26 November, 15:00: Morocco v Spain
