World Cup 2026: Morocco’s qualification scenario for the round of 16 | OneFootball

Morocco’s qualification scenario for the round of 16

Morocco/@mountakhab

Morocco hasn’t lost all hope of qualifying for the round of 16 at the U17 World Cup.

Unrecognizable, the reigning African champions fell to Japan (0-2) and Portugal (0-6) in their first two Group B matches.

Bottom of the group, the "Lion Cubs" are six points behind leaders Portugal and four behind runners-up Japan.

A meager record for a great footballing nation like Morocco, who dreamed of clinching the U17 World Cup after their sensational U20 World Cup triumph.

The qualification scenario

To reach the round of 16 at the U17 World Cup, the North African side must first secure victory in their third match against New Caledonia, then hope to rank among the eight best third-placed teams.

That scenario is highly likely, especially since their next opponents are far from being a football powerhouse.