Morocco vs Paraguay – News and Probable Lineups

The South American challenge continues for the Africa Cup of Nations champions Morocco, who are set to face Paraguay in a friendly match on Tuesday at the neutral Stade Bollaert Delelis as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

This match marks the Atlas Lions’ first appearance since claiming the AFCON title controversially by forfeit. In their last game, they drew 1-1 against Ecuador on Friday, the same day Paraguay secured a 1-0 win over Greece.

Match overview

The game against Ecuador marked the debut for head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who took over after Walid Regragui left the position following a dramatic loss to Senegal in the AFCON final.

In Friday’s match, the Atlas Lions managed to avoid another defeat even after conceding first to John Yeboah’s goal shortly after the interval, with Neil El Aynaoui equalizing late after missing a penalty earlier in the game.

According to records which include the Confederation of African Football forfeit decision, Morocco remains unbeaten since August 2025, totaling 24 matches (W22, D3), and they aim to maintain this form going into the World Cup in June.

Tuesday’s match serves as important preparation for the tournament, with the Atlas Lions looking to gain experience against diverse opponents before starting the competition against Brazil, followed by additional matches against Scotland and Haiti.

After a historic fourth-place finish in the last World Cup, Morocco has raised expectations, further reinforced by their current eighth position in the FIFA World Rankings, which is their highest ever ranking to date.

On the other hand, Paraguay is currently ranked 38th globally and is in the process of rebuilding its reputation, recently qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since reaching the quarter-finals in 2010.

Los Guaranies are placed in Group D alongside the hosts, the United States, Australia, and the UEFA playoff Path C winners, and they appear to be regaining their rhythm after experiencing a slump following the confirmation of their qualification.

Under the guidance of Gustavo Alfaro, the team performed well during CONMEBOL qualifying, recording seven wins, seven draws, and four losses over 18 matches to finish sixth and secure automatic qualification.

Paraguay concluded the qualifiers with a victory against Peru but faced a brief spell without a win, beginning with a draw against Japan, followed by defeats to the USA and South Korea in friendly encounters.

Since then, the South American side has bounced back with wins over Mexico and Greece, with the recent success coming from a second-half goal by Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Diego Gomez.

As they head into Tuesday’s match, Paraguay will aim to build on that success, although their last encounter with Morocco ended in a goalless draw during a friendly in 2022.

Team News

Morocco came through their draw with Ecuador without any significant injury issues, leaving Ouahbi with multiple options as he continues to establish his tactical approach.

The new head coach opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation in the last outing and may keep a similar setup, with captain Achraf Hakimi likely to remain at right back after a strong performance.

Fulham defender Issa Diop made his debut in that game and may retain his spot in central defense, while players like Bilal El Khannouss and Soufiane Rahimi are vying for starting positions after coming off the bench.

Additionally, 32-year-old forward Ayoub El Kaabi, who did not see action against Ecuador, could also be in line for a place in the attack.

Paraguay used a 4-3-3 formation in their victory against Greece, with goalscorer Gomez expected to keep his position in midfield for Tuesday.

Sunderland defender Omar Alderete is anticipated to feature again in defense, while Miguel Almiron should play on the wings.

Morocco probable starting XI:

Bono; Hakimi, Diop, Reed, Salah-Eddine; El Aynaoui, El Mourabet; Ezzalzouli, El Khannouss, Diaz; Saibari

Paraguay probable starting XI:

Oliveira; Benitez, G Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; Bobadilla, Romero, D Gomez; Enciso, Sanabria, Almiron

Morocco is still adjusting under new coach Ouahbi, who is in the process of implementing his strategies, so an immediately cohesive display may not be expected against a burgeoning Paraguayan side.

This setting suggests a balanced match, with both teams potentially cancelling each other out in what seems likely to result in a score draw.