Morocco vs Belgium: Preview, Head-to-Head & Prediction
Form & Context
Morocco's 2-0 win over Belgium in 2022 was a statement victory that announced them as a serious force. The Atlas Lions have built on that confidence, evolving into a side that expects to compete with anyone.
Belgium have transitioned away from their famed Golden Generation toward a younger core. The pressure now is to prove the rebuild can deliver where the star-studded previous era ultimately fell short.
Head-to-Head: The 2022 Upset
The defining meeting came in the 2022 World Cup group stage, where Morocco beat Belgium 2-0 thanks to a stunning Abdelhamid Sabiri free-kick and a late Zakaria Aboukhlal strike. The result stunned a Belgium side ranked among the world's best.
That victory was a turning point in the tournament for both nations: it propelled Morocco toward the knockouts and the semifinals, while contributing to Belgium's group-stage exit and the end of an era.
Key Battles
Morocco's defensive discipline against Belgium's attacking talent is the central theme. Morocco proved in 2022 they can neutralise Belgium's threats by staying compact and competing fiercely for second balls.
Set pieces could again be decisive, with Morocco's threat from dead-ball situations a proven weapon. Belgium will need to defend the box far better than they did in Qatar.
Prediction (Opinion)
In our opinion, this matchup is closer to a coin flip than most Morocco fixtures against elite nations, given they have already beaten Belgium convincingly. Belgium's rebuild adds uncertainty to their level.
Our prediction: a tight game that Morocco are entirely capable of winning again, though we slightly favour an even contest. This is opinion only.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | World Cup 2026 |
| Morocco key man | Achraf Hakimi |
| Belgium strength | Individual quality |
| 2022 meeting | Morocco 2-0 Belgium (group stage) |
| Our verdict | Even, Morocco can repeat |
Match facts
FAQ
Did Morocco beat Belgium at the 2022 World Cup?
Yes. Morocco beat Belgium 2-0 in the group stage, with goals from Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal, a result that helped end Belgium's campaign.
Who scored when Morocco beat Belgium in 2022?
Abdelhamid Sabiri scored a brilliant free-kick and Zakaria Aboukhlal added a late second in Morocco's 2-0 win.
Are Morocco favourites against Belgium in 2026?
It is close to even in our opinion. Morocco's 2022 win and Belgium's ongoing rebuild make this one of Morocco's most winnable elite matchups.
Loved this? Useful? React below — your feedback helps other readers.