World Cup 2026: Morocco pin hopes on Azzedine Ounahi ahead of France clash

Four years after announcing himself on the world stage, Azzedine Ounahi is once again at the heart of Morocco’s World Cup ambitions as the Atlas Lions prepare for a blockbuster quarter-final clash against France.

Ounahi first captured global attention during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where his tireless displays and exceptional composure in midfield helped Morocco become the first African nation to reach the tournament’s semi-finals.

His performances left such an impression that then-Spain coach Luis Enrique publicly expressed his admiration after Morocco knocked Spain out on penalties in the Round of 16.

“I was so surprised by player number eight. My God, who is this kid?” Luis Enrique said after the match.

The Spanish tactician later praised the Moroccan midfielder again, saying: “He didn’t stop running throughout the match. He must be exhausted now. He was absolutely brilliant, and Morocco is lucky to have him.”

Now, at the 2026 World Cup, Ounahi has returned as a more experienced and influential figure, with Morocco once again relying on his creativity and leadership in midfield.

The Girona midfielder has flourished under coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who has deployed him in a more advanced attacking role compared to the deeper position he occupied during the 2022 tournament.

The tactical adjustment has allowed Ounahi to become a greater goal threat while maintaining his ability to dictate the tempo of matches.

He showcased his attacking qualities in Morocco’s convincing 3-0 victory over Canada in the Round of 16, scoring twice. He opened the scoring with a brilliantly struck free-kick before adding his second after a swift counter-attack, underlining his growing influence in the final third.

Former Mohammed VI Football Academy director and ex-Moroccan Football Federation technical director Nasser Larguet believes Ounahi’s development has been remarkable.

“Honestly, I was amazed by his outstanding performance in the 2022 edition because the gap between Angers and the elite of world football is significant, especially for a young player,” Larguet said.

“Everyone realized then that he was a player of exceptional calibre.”

Larguet also highlighted how the 25-year-old has matured over the past four years.

“He possesses the same qualities on the pitch, but he now benefits from the confidence gained from the maturity he has acquired over the past four years,” he explained.

“Mohamed Ouahbi gives him the freedom to push forward and get closer to the opponents’ goal. While in the 2022 edition he was the link between defence and attack, creating goals, now he is the one finishing the chances.”

Although Ounahi’s club career has experienced ups and downs since his breakthrough in Qatar, his performances for Morocco have remained consistently impressive.

Following his move from Angers to Marseille in 2023, he struggled for regular playing time before enjoying a loan spell at Panathinaikos. He later joined Girona on a permanent deal, where he has continued to rebuild his career.

Despite those club challenges, Ounahi has remained one of Morocco’s most dependable performers, featuring prominently at both the 2023 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before shining again at the 2026 World Cup.

Larguet believes the midfielder always produces his best when representing his country.

“When he plays for his country, he shows genuine love for the jersey. The intense competition for places helps him improve. He is the type of player who needs to feel valued and given the responsibility he deserves. My only regret is that he hasn’t always had the full confidence of his clubs.”

As Morocco prepare to face France in a repeat of their 2022 semi-final, Ounahi is expected to be the heartbeat of the Atlas Lions’ midfield once again.

With his vision, technical quality and growing confidence, the Moroccan playmaker will be central to his country’s hopes of reaching another World Cup semi-final and finally gaining revenge against the team that ended their historic run four years ago.