Morocco has once again reached the Round of 16 in the World Cup, advancing in the 2026 tournament despite a significantly different squad from their historic 2022 run.

Four years after their memorable quarterfinal appearance in Qatar, where they defeated Portugal, the current Moroccan team has navigated the group stage and secured a spot in the knockout rounds. This achievement comes despite the departure of many key players from the 2022 squad and a change in management.

Comparisons between the two Moroccan teams have been a recurring theme. While the 2022 team topped their group, the 2026 squad faced a tougher challenge, failing to secure dominant wins against Haiti and Scotland to surpass Brazil. However, they have shown resilience, remaining undefeated in the current tournament and overcoming the Netherlands in a tense penalty shootout to reach the Round of 16.

The implications of this new generation's success are significant, suggesting a sustained level of competitiveness for Moroccan football on the global stage. The team will now look to emulate or surpass the semifinal run of their predecessors.

The 2022 Moroccan team, under then-manager Walid Regragui, was noted for its defensive tactics and experienced players. Regragui, appointed shortly before the tournament, implemented a strategy focused on a compact midfield and luring opponents into traps, often ceding possession but capitalizing on counter-attacks. Players like Youssef En-Nesyri, Hakim Ziyech, and Soufiane Boufal were instrumental.

In contrast, the 2026 squad features a blend of youth and experience, with only a handful of players from the 2022 campaign remaining, including Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Azzedine Ounahi, and Bilal El-Khanouss. The former manager, Regragui, is also no longer at the helm.

Analysts have noted that the 2022 team's tactical approach was characterized by defensive solidity, with players like En-Nesyri lauded for their work rate in disrupting opposition build-up play. This allowed them to effectively manage games and frustrate stronger opponents.

The current team's ability to advance to the Round of 16 with a largely new cast of players and a different tactical setup highlights the depth of talent and the evolving nature of Moroccan football, setting the stage for further scrutiny as they progress in the 2026 World Cup.