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This content was machine-translated from the French version.
The round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup will mark a new era for world football, with the tournament expanding to 48 teams. Since the announcement of this revised format, the organisers have confirmed that 16 teams will compete in this knockout stage, following a first round involving 32 teams. This change, whilst logical, introduces new challenges for the national teams, particularly for countries that have historically had a limited presence in the finals. Among them, Morocco, which reached the quarter-finals in 2022 in Saudi Arabia, could follow a similar path if it maintains its form in the earlier rounds. The road to the round of 16 will therefore be longer, but also more competitive, with matches that are often decisive in securing a place in the final stages.
The structure of the round of 16 is based on a draw that will determine the fixtures between the winners of the round of 32 matches. Unlike in previous tournaments, teams will no longer be subject to strict geographical allocation, which could lead to unexpected fixtures between nations from the same continent. This flexibility in the draw may reignite historic rivalries or create new tensions, whilst offering spectators a whole new dimension to the tournament. The matches themselves will take place across five host nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as in other American and Canadian cities. The stadiums – often iconic venues such as SoFi Stadium in California or BMO Field in Toronto – will host matches that are both sporting and symbolic, marking the transition from one era to the next for the World Cup.
The structure of the round of 16 is based on a draw that will determine the fixtures between the winners of the round of 32 matches.
For teams such as Morocco, the 2026 tournament represents an opportunity to strengthen their standing on the international stage. Should the Atlas Lions manage to qualify for the round of 16, they will face a variety of opponents, ranging from traditionally dominant nations to up-and-coming sides. The extended format of the tournament, with more rest time between matches, could work in favour of tactically well-organised teams. However, the pressure of a larger global audience – particularly with the presence of celebrities and millions of television viewers – will add an emotional dimension to every fixture.
The organisers have also highlighted the importance of logistics, with the possibility of intercontinental travel between the host countries. This logistical challenge could affect the teams, particularly if matches are scheduled outside their base area. For Moroccan supporters, the prospect of travelling to the United States or Canada to follow their team in the round of 16 remains a medium-term possibility, provided the team performs well. The 2026 World Cup, blending innovation, tradition and ambition, promises to be an unforgettable tournament, where every match will count, and where the round of 16 will mark a decisive turning point in the history of football.
