Morocco became the first African team to win a World Cup group since Nigeria in 1998, advancing to the knockout stage for the first time since 1986.
Key Facts
- Group dates
- 23 November – 1 December 2022
- Teams in group
- Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
- Teams advancing
- Morocco (1st), Croatia (2nd)
- Third-place match result
- Croatia defeated Morocco 2–1
- Morocco's last Round of 16
- 1986 FIFA World Cup
- Last African group winner
- Nigeria in 1998
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Group F brought together Belgium, ranked among the world's top teams, alongside Croatia, Morocco, and Canada. Belgium entered as heavy favorites, while Morocco and Croatia were seen as competitive but unlikely group winners. Canada were making their first World Cup appearance since 1986.
Matches in Group F were played from 23 November to 1 December 2022 in Qatar. Morocco and Croatia secured the top two positions, advancing to the round of 16. Belgium, despite their high ranking, failed to progress from the group stage for the first time since 1998.
Morocco's group victory made them the first African side to top a World Cup group since Nigeria in 1998. Both Morocco and Croatia continued deep into the tournament, meeting again in the third-place match, which Croatia won 2–1. Belgium's group-stage exit marked a significant disappointment for a generation considered a 'golden generation.'