A matchup fit to be a World Cup semifinal arrives early in the round of 32

Morocco were the shock team of the 2022 World Cup by making the semifinals. The African giants are no longer underdogs in 2026.

As the Atlas Lions kept their nerves in a shootout to show the door to The Netherlands, a well rounded, heavyweight opponent for a ticket to last 16, it was clear that their semi-final ride in Qatar 2022 was no flash in the pan.

Morocco will face Canada in the 2026 World Cup last 16 after beating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties. The game finished 1-1 after extra time following goals from Cody Gakpo and Issa Diop in normal time.

Two goals in the second half, including a stoppage-time equalizer from Morocco, sent this match into extra time

The biggest underdog stories throughout World Cup history 90% of the time, a highly experienced, dominant nation is expected to win the World Cup. 10% of the time, an underdog comes around, spoiling the fun

Morocco loudly announced itself as one of the world's finest footballing sides during the 2022 World Cup, striking down Spain and Portugal en route to a fourth-place finish in Qatar — the best-ever World Cup showing by an African and Arab nation.

Morocco excelled, reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, and is set to co-host the 2030 event with Spain & Portugal. They look to make a run in 2026.