Morocco will look to maintain their flawless run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers when they welcome Tanzania to Stade Municipal on Tuesday.
The Atlas Lions sit comfortably atop Group E with a perfect record from four matches, while Tanzania trails six points behind in third place, making this a crucial fixture in their qualification hopes.
Match Preview
Morocco continued their dominant form with a 2-1 away victory against Niger in their last outing, though they were made to work hard for the three points.
Despite controlling possession, the North Africans struggled to break the deadlock in the first half and even hit the post. Niger then stunned the visitors two minutes after the restart when Youssouf Oumarou pounced on a loose ball from a free-kick to give the hosts a shock lead.
However, Morocco responded swiftly, with PSV midfielder Ismael Saibari leveling the score 12 minutes later with a clinical finish at the back post. The comeback was completed in stoppage time when Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss nodded home from close range to secure all three points.
That victory extended Morocco’s unbeaten streak across all competitions to 11 matches, including nine consecutive wins. They have been prolific in front of goal, netting 22 times in their last five games while conceding only twice.
Now, Walid Regragui’s men turn their focus to Tanzania, a team they have historically dominated—winning five of their six previous encounters and losing just once.
Tanzania, on the other hand, were due to face Congo in their last fixture on March 17, but the match was canceled following FIFA’s suspension of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) due to governmental interference. As a result, Congo forfeited all remaining qualifiers, leaving Tanzania with six points, level with second-placed Niger after three matches.
With four of the best runners-up advancing to the play-off stage, the battle for second place in Group E remains wide open. A positive result against Morocco would provide Tanzania with a significant boost in their bid for qualification.
This will be the Taifa Stars’ fourth World Cup qualifier against Morocco, and they will take inspiration from their 3-1 victory over the Atlas Lions in 2013 as they seek another upset.
Team News
Brahim Diaz played a crucial role in Morocco’s win over Niger and will be expected to be the main creative spark once again in the absence of injured playmaker Hakim Ziyech.
Youssef En-Nesyri will spearhead the attack, while Saibari and El Khannouss—who both came off the bench to score last time—could be rewarded with starting roles.
For Tanzania, head coach Hemed Suleiman has called up a 24-man squad, introducing fresh faces like defender Miraji Abdallah and midfielder Yakoub Suleiman.
However, they will be without their first-choice goalkeeper Aishi Manula due to a lack of playing time at Simba SC, while captain Mbwana Samatta is sidelined with an injury.
Predicted Lineups
Morocco:
Bono; Mazraoui, Aguerd, Yamiq, Hakimi; Amrabat, Ounahi, Seghir; Diaz, En-Nesyri, Rahimi
Tanzania:
Suleiman; Kapombe, Job, Hamad, Mohamed; Yahya, Bitegeko, Salum; Mzize, Hussein, Mzuva
