The expansion and new format of the FIFA World Cup 2026 present a major and immediate challenge for several national teams positioned in Pots 1 and 2. Our national team, Morocco, ranked 11th in the world, is among the teams directly affected by this change. While being in the top two pots remains a significant advantage, as it allows teams to avoid facing two seeded teams in the group stage, the new scheduling deprives them of another important strategic asset.
The Atlas Lions have worked hard since 2022 to rise to the elite of the FIFA rankings, an effort that was supposed to guarantee them a strategic advantage in the group stage. However, instead of benefiting from this historical advantage by facing teams from pots 3 and 4 first, as is tradition, Morocco (Pot 2) is set to clash with Brazil (Pot 1) on the very first day of Group C.
This change impacts Morocco, a semi-finalist in the last World Cup, as well as Brazil, a five-time champion. Contrary to the tradition that allowed seeded teams (Pots 1 and 2) to face teams from Pot 4 and then Pot 3 in their first two matches, FIFA has chosen to schedule the showdown between Morocco (Pot 2) and Brazil (Pot 1) on the first day of Group C. This decision disrupts usual strategies. For the “Atlas Lions,” this means their fate in the group could be determined right from the kickoff, forcing them to aim for a win or a positive draw to avoid immediate pressure.
The sporting consequences of this match order are considerable, particularly in terms of squad management. Previously, major nations could capitalize on quick six points, ensuring their qualification before their direct confrontation in the third match, allowing coaches to rotate their key players. Now, a loss for Morocco or Brazil in this historic opener would require them to play the next two matches (against Scotland and Haiti) with their starting lineup. Such a requirement to field starters in three consecutive matches at the start of the tournament will lead to early fatigue, potentially detrimental for the knockout stages, especially with an expanded format.
The major flaw of this new scheduling lies in the loss of two valuable strategic options. First, it becomes mathematically nearly impossible for both teams to secure qualification and first place before the final day. Thus, they will be forced to mobilize their best players for all three matches to guarantee the best possible position (first or second), as only the eight best third-placed teams advance to the Round of 16, eliminating the possibility of rotating the squad in the last match. Secondly, this obligation to play three high-intensity matches back-to-back significantly increases the risk of losing key players for the second round, either through accumulated yellow cards (suspension) or injury, as has been the case in previous tournaments. This lack of maneuverability, which was the main advantage of the favorites, means that stars like Hakimi or Vinícius Júnior will have to maintain maximum intensity throughout the group stage, which is a major concern, increasing the risk of injury or fatigue before the knockout phase.
This issue is not limited to Group C. Other groups are also affected by FIFA’s logistical and commercial choice to offer strong matchups right from the start. Among the most notable examples is Group I, where France (Pot 1), the defending finalist, is scheduled to face Senegal (Pot 2), one of the best African teams, right away. Similarly, Group L sees England (Pot 1) meeting Croatia (Pot 2), a rematch of the 2018 semi-final, not to mention the Group F clash between The Netherlands (Pot 1) and Japan (Pot 2). These early showdowns guarantee maximum viewership from the first week but deprive the favorites of the opportunity to build momentum gradually.
For the Moroccan public, although the immediate confrontation with Brazil is a huge challenge, it should also be seen as a “golden opportunity.” Just like the U20 Lions, who became world champions in 2025 after a strong start against Spain and Brazil, a victory in this opening match would provide a significant psychological boost to their senior counterparts, the “Atlas Lions,” and place them in a dominant position in the group. This new schedule requires coach Hoalid Regragui and his staff to be ready for a true “anticipated final,” with the hope that the character strength that brought Morocco success in 2022 will once again make a difference.
