Morocco are doing it again. Three-and-a-half years on from a barrier-breaking run that saw them make a run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, Mohamed Ouahbi’s team are highlighting their giant-killing ability.Having seen off the Netherlands in the round of 32, and after an impressive display against Brazil in the group stages, they are favourites to beat Canada on Saturday.A win would take them through to the quarter-final stage — and this run feels like a moment when we must take them seriously.The Language of Soccer - MoroccoStyle of playIn Qatar, Morocco were a team that liked to sit deep and counter-attack.They did not want much of the ball and ranked 27th out of 32 teams for average possession share. This was by design, to not only defend the penalty area but also open up space to exploit in quick transition.Spain and Portugal both suffered defeat to Morocco in the knockout rounds of the 2022 tournament — both via penalty shootouts — before France got the better of them in the semi-finals. Morocco could face France in the quarter-finals of this version, although they are a different team to the one that made the final four in Qatar.Morocco are currently ranked ninth for average possession share after four outings at the 2026 World Cup — reflecting how a greater focus has been placed on controlling games with the ball. Some of this is down to a tactical shift, but more important has been the emergence of more technical players.Players to watchAyyoub Bouaddi perfectly reflects this. The 18-year-old is a controlling presence at the base of the Morocco midfield, and has been a breakout star at this World Cup, leading to links with many potential suitors in the Premier League and Europe. Bouaddi’s emergence has helped give Morocco a different dimension.