The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on June 11, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As the tournament approaches, RMC Sport takes an in-depth look at the qualified teams and their prospects in this prestigious competition. Among them is Morocco, led by Achraf Hakimi, who aims to recreate the unforgettable journey they experienced during the previous World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the semi-finals.
Morocco captivated the global audience in 2022, emerging as a surprising semi-finalist by defeating both Spain and Portugal along the way. As they head into the 2026 World Cup, the Lions of the Atlas are determined to prove that their previous success was not a mere fluke, but rather a significant milestone on their path to potentially claiming the ultimate title.
Qualification Overview
During the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, Morocco dominated Group E in the African zone, showcasing an outstanding performance. The Lions of the Atlas secured a perfect record, winning all eight matches with an impressive tally of 22 goals scored and only 2 conceded. This flawless run allowed the Moroccan team, then coached by Walid Regragui, to finish atop their group ahead of Niger, Tanzania, Zambia, and Congo Brazzaville, with Eritrea withdrawing before their first match.
Ranked eighth in the FIFA standings, ahead of footballing giants like Belgium and Germany, Morocco is preparing for its seventh World Cup appearance in the Americas, and notably, this will be their third consecutive participation—a first in the nation’s history. Furthermore, the Moroccan team is already qualified for the next tournament in 2030, which they will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
In an unexpected turn following a chaotic tournament conclusion, Morocco was declared the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on home soil, despite being defeated in the final by Senegal. The Senegalese team has since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to contest this decision.
Morocco's Squad for the 2026 World Cup
As the World Cup approaches, Morocco's roster includes notable players across all positions:
- Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal), Munir Kajoui (Rennaissance de Berkane), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (FAR Rabat)
- Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven), Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly SC), Issa Diop (Fulham), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace), Zakaria El Ouahdi (KRC Genk), Redouane Halhal (Malines), Nayef Aguerd (OM)
- Midfielders: Neil El Aynaoui (Roma), Azzedine Ounahi (Gérone), Ismaël Saibari (PSV Eindhoven), Balil El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg), Sofyan Amrabat (Betis), Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille)
- Forwards: Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiakos), Abde Ezzalzouli (Betis), Soufiane Rahimi (Al-Ain), Gessime Yassine (Strasbourg), Ayoube Amaimouni (Eintracht Frankfurt), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland)
As reported by rmcsport.bfmtv.com.
Morocco has risen to prominence in the world of football after a prolonged absence from the elite ranks. Initiated two decades ago under the guidance of King Mohammed VI, their developmental plan has established Morocco as a formidable presence on the international stage. Journalist Saïd Amdaa remarked, "Morocco has entered a new dimension. As the federation president Fouzi Lekjaa stated, this is no longer a country that merely celebrates its qualifications."
Their historic journey in the 2022 World Cup, culminating in a semi-final match against France, has provided the Lions of the Atlas with invaluable experience and confidence. Although their style may not always be visually captivating, the Moroccan national team arrives in North America with solid certainties, a high-quality squad, and a commendable depth on the bench.
However, questions loom regarding their new head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi. Appointed in March, he will be under immense pressure during his first major competition with the senior national team. At 49, Ouahbi, who gained recognition for winning the U20 World Cup, faces the daunting challenge of maintaining the high standards set by his predecessor, Walid Regragui.
With Ouahbi surrounded by experienced assistants like Joao Sacramento, a former aide to José Mourinho, and ex-international Youssouf Hadji, time is of the essence for him to convey his philosophy and establish his tactical approach. The decision regarding who will lead the attack remains uncertain, with options including Ayoub El Kaabi, Ismaël Saibari, and Yassir Zabiri vying for the starting position.
Among the key players for Morocco in the upcoming World Cup will undoubtedly be captain Achraf Hakimi, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, the dynamic Brahim Diaz, the solid Nayef Aguerd, and the versatile Noussair Mazraoui. However, Neil El Aynaoui is also expected to play a pivotal role. Following an impressive showing in the 2025 AFCON, the AS Roma midfielder has emerged as a crucial component of the team.
As Morocco gears up for their matches, they will face Brazil on June 14, Scotland on June 20, and Haiti on June 25. Within a competitive Group C, Morocco will look to assert itself in New Jersey, Foxborough, and Atlanta, with aspirations to finish atop the group ahead of Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, ultimately aiming for a spot in the knockout rounds. Following their fourth-place finish in 2022, the players and their supporters are filled with ambition for this year's tournament.
Yunis Abdelhamid, a veteran defender, expressed confidence, stating, "Morocco can hold its own against Brazil. A quarter-final appearance would be a successful World Cup, but we aim to replicate our previous performance, even though it won't be easy."
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Morocco stands poised to make an impact, fueled by their past successes and the drive to achieve even greater heights on the world stage.
