All Scenarios for Morocco U17 Qualification to the Round of 16 at the Qatar 2025 World Cup: Technical Analysis and Last Hopes
Farouk Saad
The Moroccan U17 team enters its third and final group stage match at the “Qatar 2025” youth World Cup, burdened by two heavy defeats against Japan (0-2) and Portugal (0-6). However, it still clings to a slender hope of advancing to the knockout stage when it faces New Caledonia tomorrow, Sunday, in a match that is expected to determine the battle for third place in Group B.
Despite the slim chances, this encounter represents a true test for this emerging generation of the “Atlas Cubs” and a measurement of Morocco’s training project on the global stage, more than just a match to salvage a result.
Background and Standings
After two rounds of competition, the Moroccan team sits in fourth place with zero points and a negative goal difference of -8, trailing behind Portugal (6 points), Japan (4 points), and New Caledonia (1 point). According to the tournament system, the best four third-placed teams among the six groups will advance to the next round, leaving the door open for Morocco mathematically, provided they achieve a resounding victory and wait for results from other groups.
In contrast, New Caledonia enters the match with similar ambitions, still possessing chances of securing third place and potentially historic qualification if they achieve a large margin victory.
Qualification Equation: A Big Win and Waiting for Surprises
For Morocco to enter the competition for the best third-placed teams, it must win by a margin of at least four goals to improve its negative goal difference to acceptable levels that could put it in direct comparison with teams like Qatar, Costa Rica, Uganda, and Saudi Arabia, which have points ranging from one to three.
However, the scenario relies not only on Morocco’s victory but also on the misfortune of competing teams in other groups, making qualification conditional and dependent on results played after the “Atlas Cubs” match.
Technical Analysis: Between Ambition and Realism
Overall Performance: During its matches against Japan and Portugal, the Moroccan team showcased some good technical flashes at specific intervals, but it lacked balance between the three lines. The defense appeared fragile when dealing with high pressure and through balls, while the attack struggled with effectiveness in front of goal despite good movements on the flanks.
Strengths:
- Quick transition from defense to attack upon regaining possession.
- Relative tactical discipline at certain moments of play.
- Team spirit and desire to fight despite the losses.
Weaknesses:
- Repeated defensive errors in positioning and marking inside the penalty area.
- Absence of the final touch and effectiveness in front of goal.
- Lack of international experience and the ability to cope with the high tempo of matches.
Statements from Coach Nabil Baha:
In the press conference before the match, Moroccan coach Nabil Baha stated, “We have not yet shown our true face, and we will fight until the end. This match is not just about qualification, but about redemption and proving that Moroccan football is rich in talent.”
Baha’s statements reveal a psychological approach aimed at liberating the players from pressure and turning the match into an opportunity to regain confidence after previous defeats.
Opponent: New Caledonia on a Historic Mission
New Caledonia, the sole representative of the Oceania region following New Zealand’s absence, enters the match with high ambitions to secure its first victory in World Cup history. Despite its limited resources, the team displayed defensive discipline and attacking courage against Japan, making it a formidable opponent, especially as they possess one point and may find in the match against Morocco a chance to seize a qualifying spot.
Analytical Reading: Beyond the Result
Beyond the mathematical aspect, the match against New Caledonia represents a test of maturity for the Moroccan football system at youth levels. Participation in the World Cup alone is an achievement, but it also highlights the need for further work in areas such as mental preparation, physical strength, and managing high tactical pressure.
As the “Atlas Cubs” approach their encounter with New Caledonia, they hold realistic hopes and symbolic opportunities. Even if qualification is not achieved, the match serves as a chance to rebuild confidence and affirm that the new generation has talent but needs time and continuous technical support to naturally extend the achievements of the “Lions of the Atlas.”
The match on Sunday is not just a concluding encounter for a group but a football maturation experience for a generation seeking its identity and a project aiming to prove its sustainability in the long run.
