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Under the leadership of Mohamed Ouahbi, the Atlas Lions are preparing for a new chapter in the World Cup journey.Â
Drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti, Morocco will begin their campaign on June 13 in New York with one of the toughest tests imaginable against the five-time world champion, Brazil. Yet confidence, and possibility to achieve great results remains high within the squad, fuelled by a blend of experienced leaders and exciting young talents.
Ouahbi sets the tone
Since replacing Walid Regragui earlier this year, Mohamed Ouahbi has repeatedly stressed his determination to build on Morocco’s recent achievements rather than simply defend them.Â
The former Morocco U-20 coach, who guided the youth national team to global success, has spoken about creating a team capable of competing with the world’s best while maintaining the fighting spirit that made the Atlas Lions one of the most admired teams in Qatar 2022.
Players such as Achraf hakimi, and Yassine Bounou have echoed the same confidence expressed by Ouahbi after landing in their base camp at New Jersey. Emphasizing that they are planning for a new historic achievement in the World Cup.
Morocco’s World Cup 2026 fixtures
Before the tournament begins, Morocco will play a final warm-up match against Norway on June 7 at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.
This match is the 5th in a row after previous friendlies against Ecuador, Paraguay, Burundi, and Madagascar. In which the Moroccan national team had secured four wins and one draw in the first match against La TricolorÂ
Group C fixtures
June 13
- Morocco vs Brazil – New York
June 19
- Morocco vs Scotland – Boston
June 24
- Morocco vs Haiti – Atlanta
The opening clash against Brazil is expected to shape the group. A positive result could put Morocco in an excellent position to advance to the knockout stages.
Players to watch
Achraf Hakimi
The captain, and the 6th best player in the world according to the classification of the Ballon d’or, remains Morocco’s biggest star and one of the finest right-backs in world football.Â
Hakimi’s ability to rule the pitch from providing sophisticated abilities in the attack and the defence, makes him an attention-worthy during the FIFA major competition.Â
His pace, leadership and attacking threat drives him to be the heartbeat of the team. If Morocco is to make another deep run, Hakimi will almost certainly be at the centre of it.
Brahim Diaz
The creative midfielder arrives as one of Morocco’s most dangerous attacking weapons. His ability to unlock defences with dribbling and vision could prove decisive in tight matches.
Yassine Bounou
Few goalkeepers enter the tournament with a reputation as strong as Bounou’s. His heroics in Qatar 2022 remain fresh in the memory of football fans worldwide, and Morocco will once again rely on his experience in crucial moments.
Ayyoub Bouaddi
One of the breakout names in the Moroccan squad. The Lille midfielder is viewed as a cornerstone of the national team’s future and has already shown maturity beyond his years. Many supporters believe this tournament could be his global introduction.
Ismael Saibari
The PSV Eindhoven midfielder combines creativity, physical strength and an eye for goal. He offers Ouahbi another dynamic option in the middle of the park.
Morocco’s 26-Man World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers
- Yassine Bounou
- Munir El Kajoui
- Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti
Defenders
- Achraf Hakimi
- Noussair Mazraoui
- Nayef Aguerd
- Anass Salah-Eddine
- Chadi Riad
- Zakaria El Ouahdi
- Issa Diop
- Redouane Halhal
- Youssef Belammari
Midfielders
- Sofyan Amrabat
- Bilal El Khannouss
- Ismael Saibari
- Ayyoub Bouaddi
- Neil El Aynaoui
- Azzedine Ounahi
- Samir El Mourabet
Forwards
- Brahim Diaz
- Soufiane Rahimi
- Abdessamad Ezzalzouli
- Ayoub El Kaabi
- Yassine Gessime
- Chemdine Talbi
- Ayoube Amaimouni
The squad reflects Ouahbi’s desire to blend established international stars with a new generation of players who impressed under his guidance in Morocco’s youth teams.
Can Morocco Reach the Knockout Stage?
Brazil will enter Group C as favourites, but the battle for the remaining qualification spots appears wide open. Scotland returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and possesses experienced players, while Haiti arrives with high spirit after securing a historic qualification.
Morocco, however, arguably possesses the most balanced squad in the group after Brazil. The Atlas Lions combine international experience, tactical discipline and a new blood of young talent. Having already proven in 2022 that they can defeat some of football’s traditional giants, the players believe that reaching the Round of 32 is the minimum objective.
If Hakimi, Brahim Diaz and Bounou perform at their best while youngsters such as Bouaddi and El Khannouss rise to the occasion, Morocco could once again become one of the stories of the tournament.
The Atlas Lions are no longer outsiders. They arrive in North America as a team expected to compete, and a possible contender of the title.
