BBC Sport·July 4, 2026

Unbeaten in 34 matches - why Morocco are World Cup contenders

Dark horse rising

Morocco’s progress is one of the biggest stories in the tournament so far. Their latest knockout victory extended an unbeaten streak and showed they can win even when the performance is not polished, which is often a sign of a team built for deep knockout runs.

That matters because World Cup winners usually combine skill with resilience. Morocco’s compact style and confidence under pressure give them a path to keep upsetting more established teams.

Why it matters

The broader title race looks less predictable because Morocco is now part of the conversation. If France and other favorites are forced into difficult matches against a team that defends well and counters efficiently, the bracket could open up for an upset or two.

This kind of run also changes how future opponents approach the match. Instead of treating Morocco as a surprise, other teams now have to plan for a side that has already proven it can survive high-stakes knockout football.

What comes next

The key question now is whether Morocco can sustain the same level against stronger opposition in the later rounds. If they do, they could become the tournament’s defining underdog story.

Even if they do not win the title, their presence in the late stages is already influencing predictions about who will lift the trophy in July.

Read at BBC Sport2026 FIFA World Cup Winner

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