⚠️ Brazil’s World Cup rival handed title off the pitch, here’s why | OneFootball

Opponent in Brazil’s debut at the 2026 World Cup, Morocco has just won a title “off the pitch.”

This is because the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided, this Tuesday (17), in favor of the appeal filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RFMF).

In the statement published on its official website, CAF announced that it stripped Senegal of the title based on articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) regulations, considering “that the conduct of the Senegalese team constituted a serious infraction.”

Officially, CAF declared that Senegal lost by forfeit, with a 3-0 result in favor of Morocco.

Recall that, at the end of regulation time, Morocco was awarded a penalty to secure the title at home. 

The Senegalese players, in turn, led by coach Pape Thiaw, left the field in protest against the referee’s decision and went to the locker room. Only Sadio Mané remained on the pitch.

Brahim Díaz, however, missed the penalty kick, which took the final to extra time, where Senegal won with a goal by Pape Gueye.

On January 19, 2026, the day after the AFCON final, Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, condemned the attitude of the Senegalese team and demanded a “firm response from CAF”. 

At the 2026 World Cup, Brazil faces Morocco (06/13), Haiti (06/19), and Scotland (06/24).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 SEBASTIEN BOZON - AFP or licensors