Tunisia stun Morocco as Mediterranean Games gold hopes hang in the balance

Morocco’s hopes of winning the men’s football gold medal at the 2026 Mediterranean Games suffered a major setback after they were beaten 1-0 by Tunisia in Taranto, Italy, on Monday.

The Group A derby was decided shortly after half-time, when CA Bizertin left-back Mohamed Rayan Rehimi scored in the 49th minute to give Tunisia a valuable victory.

The result leaves Ludovic Batelli’s Morocco U21 side in serious danger of missing out on the competition’s gold-medal match. Tunisia moved provisionally to the top of the group with a three-point advantage, although the standings could change after Turkey face North Macedonia later on Monday.

Morocco began the tournament with a 2-2 draw against Turkey on Saturday evening, having taken a 2-0 lead. However, their task was made considerably more difficult after they were reduced to 10 men, leaving them to play with a numerical disadvantage for 80 minutes.

Turkey eventually completed the comeback in the 94th minute, denying Morocco what would have been a winning start.

The defeat by Tunisia represents an even more damaging result for the side managed by French coach Batelli. Tunisia had opened their campaign with a goalless draw against North Macedonia, but Rehimi’s goal has put them in a strong position in the group.

Should Turkey win their match against North Macedonia, Morocco will officially be unable to finish first in Group A and therefore lose any remaining chance of competing for the gold medal.

Morocco will conclude the group stage against North Macedonia on Wednesday. In that scenario, second place would be the only remaining objective for the Lioncaux de l’Atlas U21.

The outlook is considerably brighter for Morocco’s women’s team at the Mediterranean Games.

Morocco U17 followed up a commanding 4-0 victory over Slovenia by drawing 2-2 with Portugal on Sunday. Meriem Oubella opened the scoring in the 16th minute before Chaimae Boughazi doubled Morocco’s lead five minutes later.

Portugal fought back, however, and the Moroccan side were unable to protect their two-goal advantage. Despite conceding twice, Morocco remain provisionally top of their group on goal difference, level on points with Portugal.

Their next match is scheduled for Tuesday evening against Kosovo, when the group’s final positions will be decided.

Morocco’s men’s team, meanwhile, must wait for the outcome of Turkey’s meeting with North Macedonia before knowing precisely what will be at stake in their final fixture. The unexpected defeat by Tunisia has left their route to the gold medal dependent not only on their own result but also on the remaining Group A standings.