Morocco's World Cup opponents: Atlas Lions not especially lucky with their draw

Croatia: 12th in FIFA rankings

They are not the hardest side to beat among the European nations, but Croatia may well be the most annoying team to play against. Not only do they give nothing away, their midfielders are very technical and have a real feel for the game. The midfield trio is arguably one of the best in the world. Modric, Kovacic and Brozovic can do everything on a pitch. The first shows every week in a Real shirt that he is tireless, even at 37. Four years ago in Russia, he dazzled everyone and, against all expectations, took Croatia to the final.

Also read - World Cup 2022: the full schedule

The other two, however, raise some questions over their fitness. Kovacic is drifting in a Chelsea side that is completely at sea, alternating between starting and coming off the bench. But he lifts himself every time he pulls on the chequered shirt. Brozovic, for his part, has just returned to action after a few weeks in the treatment room. Besides this magical midfield trio, coach Dalic can call on other talented attacking players: the unpredictable Ivan Perisic, outstanding in Russia in 2018, playmaker Majer, the driving force at Stade Rennais, and the Dinamo Zagreb forwards Petkovic and Orsic.

The Achilles heel of this fine squad remains its defence. The more experienced Vida and Lovren were flawless in Russia but have never shown consistency. Young Gvardiol of Leipzig is settling in but has yet to take off.

The last meeting between Croatia and an African nation goes back to the 2018 World Cup. The Croatians beat Nigeria 2-0 in their opening match of the tournament.

Croatia's usual XI, 4-1-4-1: Livakovic – Juranovic, Erlic, Vida, Barisic – Brozovic – Majer, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic – Budimir.

#Croatia presents squad numbers for the 2022 @FIFAWorldCup in Qatar! 🔢 Any surprises there? 🤔#WorldCup #Family #Vatreni❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/syvnLrfItg

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) November 14, 2022

Belgium: 2nd in FIFA rankings

Taking on Belgium in the group stage is never easy. Though many regard them as serial underachievers, the Belgians are often relaxed in the group phase and play polished football. Four years ago in Russia, they finished on the podium in 3rd place, losing only in the semi-finals, 1-0 to France, the eventual world champions. The golden generation, led by the excellent Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibault Courtois, among others, is nearing the twilight of its careers. They will therefore be desperate to have a very good World Cup.

To pull that off, Spanish coach Roberto Martinez, in charge since 2016, can also lean on the flair of some young Red Devils such as De Ketelaere (AC Milan), Trossard (Brighton) and Doku (Rennes). The big question mark remains the defence, much like Croatia. Will the Spanish coach start young pair Arthur Theate and Faes, or stick with the experienced Alderwereld and Vertonghen?

Against African sides recently, Belgium dismantled Burkina Faso's Stallions last March (3-0) but were held by Franck Kessié's Ivory Coast in 2020 (1-1). Moroccan fans can even tell themselves that the last meeting between the two sides went largely in their nation's favour in 2008 (4-1). But a lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then. The squads have changed completely.

Belgium's usual XI (3-4-2-1): Courtois – Debast, Alderwereld, Vertoghen – Meunier, Tielemans, Witsel, Castagne – De Bruyne, Hazard – Lukaku.

😍 https://t.co/HC798mqCGF

— Jan Vertonghen (@JanVertonghen) November 10, 2022

Canada: 41st in FIFA rankings

In four years' time, Canada will host World Cup matches for the first time, co-hosting with the United States and Mexico. Before welcoming the whole world, they want to make themselves noticed and gain experience in Qatar. On paper, they are not the most fearsome opponents for Morocco. But Canada should not be underestimated. At major tournaments, there are always sides with unremarkable CVs who manage to cause a surprise.

In their second appearance at a World Cup finals after 1986, Canada arrive with a squad in which some young players have already made a name for themselves in Europe. That is the case for Bayern's Alphonso Davies. Much like David Alaba with Austria, he is Canada's jack of all trades. He can play in several positions on the pitch. Lille's Jonathan David is also well known on the old continent. Although he has gone four club games without scoring, he remains a formidable centre-forward. During World Cup qualifying, he hammered in 9 goals. And in Qatar, he will be the man to keep a close eye on.

Canada's usual XI: Borjan – Johnston, Miller, Vitoria – Laryea, Piette, Eustaquio, Adekugbe – Davies, Larin, David.

26 players, 1 dream 🇨🇦#CANMNT x @CIBC #WeCAN pic.twitter.com/cjN1TnqPXf

— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 13, 2022