Morocco thrash Burundi 5-0 in pre-World Cup friendly

Morocco continued their strong build-up toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 5–0 victory over Burundi in a closed-door friendly match designed to fine-tune the squad’s preparations.

The encounter was staged at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, with the game played under strict secrecy at the request of head coach Mohamed Wahbi, as the technical team opted to keep tactical experiments away from public view.

Despite the lack of spectators and media access, Morocco delivered a dominant performance, underlining their depth, attacking fluidity, and growing cohesion ahead of the global tournament. The Atlas Lions controlled proceedings from start to finish, overwhelming their Burundian opponents with pace, precision, and clinical finishing.

The goals came from standout attacking contributions, with Youssef El Kaabi netting a brace, while Tawfiq Ben Tayeb also scored twice. Soufiane Ben Jedida completed the rout with the fifth goal, rounding off a comprehensive display that showcased Morocco’s offensive variety and bench strength.

The technical staff used the match to assess tactical flexibility, player combinations, and squad readiness, particularly as competition for places intensifies ahead of the final World Cup selection. Several fringe and emerging players were given opportunities to impress, and the result will further strengthen the coaching team’s assessment of squad depth.

Morocco’s preparations are set to continue with two more high-profile friendly matches. The Atlas Lions will face Madagascar on Tuesday, June 2 in Rabat, before travelling to the United States for a clash against Norway on Sunday, June 7 in New Jersey. These fixtures are expected to provide a stronger test of Morocco’s readiness against varied international opposition.

The North African side head into the World Cup with growing expectations after recent strong performances on the international stage. Their tactical discipline, defensive organisation, and evolving attacking identity have made them one of the most respected teams in African football.

Morocco are drawn in Group C of the upcoming World Cup, where they will aim to build on their historic run in previous tournaments and push further on the global stage.