Morocco set to face Congo as Atlas Lions aim to end qualifiers in style

Morocco host Congo on Tuesday night in the final round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with kick-off scheduled for 9 p.m. GMT.

The Atlas Lions, already assured of their place at the tournament, will look to close their campaign on a high note.

Having enjoyed a near-flawless qualifying run, Morocco have displayed the consistency and confidence that have made them one of Africa’s standout teams.

Under the guidance of Walid Regragui, the side has blended experience with emerging talent to dominate their group with authority.

Like Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt, the Atlas Lions have comfortably secured their ticket to the World Cup set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

For Congo, the story has been far less inspiring. Winless in their last six matches, the Congolese squad will be playing for pride as they look to end a disappointing campaign on a positive note.

The team’s struggles throughout the qualifiers have stemmed from a lack of cohesion and defensive frailties that have cost them vital points.

Facing Morocco in their current form will be a daunting task.

Morocco, meanwhile, are already turning their focus beyond qualification.

With the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon this winter — a tournament they will host — Regragui’s men are keen to maintain their rhythm and fine-tune their squad dynamics.

Fitness management has also become a priority, especially for key players such as Achraf Hakimi, who has been involved in a demanding run of fixtures for both club and country.

Despite already booking their World Cup berth, the Atlas Lions are unlikely to take their foot off the gas.

The side’s attacking flair, led by Youssef En-Nesyri, combined with the creativity of Bilal El Khannouss and Amine Ben Seghir, gives them plenty of firepower to unsettle Congo’s defence.

Congo, on the other hand, will hope that players like Merveil Ndockyt and Bassinga can produce moments of brilliance to trouble Morocco’s backline.

However, with the visitors’ poor run of form and the Atlas Lions’ dominant home record, the odds are firmly stacked in favour of the hosts.

Expected line-ups

Morocco: Bono; El Karouani, Masina, El Yamiq, Hakimi; Ben Seghir, El Khannouss, Amrabat; Talbi, Ben Seghir, En-Nesyri.
Congo: Ndinga; Kapaya, Makosso, Itoua, Etou; Ndockyt, Nongo; Moussavou, Ngoma, Nkaya; Bassinga.