World Cup 2026: Can Morocco repeat their historic run from Qatar 2022?

Morocco arrive at the FIFA World Cup 2026 carrying the hopes of a nation eager to prove that their remarkable journey to the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago was no one-off achievement.

The Atlas Lions captured the imagination of football fans around the world in 2022 by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four of a World Cup, and they now return to the global stage determined to build on that historic success.

The tournament in North America marks Morocco’s seventh World Cup appearance and their third consecutive qualification, a sign of the country’s growing status in international football. With a new coach at the helm and an experienced core of players still leading the squad, Morocco will be aiming to show they remain among the world’s emerging football powers.

Morocco’s World Cup History

Morocco have established themselves as one of Africa’s most successful football nations over the past several decades.

Confederation: CAF

Best World Cup Finish: Semi-finals (2022)

Last World Cup: Qatar 2022 (Semi-finals)

First World Cup: Mexico 1970

World Cup Appearances: Seven (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Current Consecutive Qualifications: Three

World Cup Hosts: 2030

Overall World Cup Record: Played 23, Won 5, Drawn 11, Lost 7

Morocco’s First World Cup

Morocco made history as Africa’s sole representative at the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.

Although they exited in the group stage, they earned respect for their competitive performances. Their opening match saw them push West Germany all the way before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat. A loss to Peru followed, but Morocco finished the tournament on a positive note by securing a 1-1 draw against Bulgaria thanks to a goal from Maouhoub Ghazouani.

That campaign laid the foundation for what would become a proud World Cup tradition.

Morocco’s Historic Campaign at Qatar 2022

Qatar 2022 remains the greatest achievement in Moroccan football history.

Drawn alongside Croatia, Belgium and Canada, the Atlas Lions exceeded expectations from the outset. After holding Croatia to a goalless draw, they defeated Belgium 2-0 before overcoming Canada 2-1 to top their group.

The knockout stage produced even more memorable moments. Morocco eliminated Spain on penalties in the Round of 16 before stunning Portugal 1-0 in the quarter finals.

Their dream run eventually ended in the semi finals against France, but their performances earned worldwide admiration and established a new benchmark for African football.

Coach Profile

Morocco head into the 2026 World Cup under the leadership of Belgian-born coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who was appointed less than 100 days before the tournament.

The 49-year-old earned widespread recognition after guiding Morocco to the FIFA U-20 World Cup title in 2025. His young side defeated Argentina 2-0 in the final, with Othmane Maamma and Yassir Zabiri emerging among the tournament’s standout performers.

Before joining the senior national team, Ouahbi also enjoyed success at Anderlecht’s renowned academy, where he won the Belgian U-17 Championship.

His appointment represents the beginning of a new chapter for Moroccan football following the successful reign of Walid Regragui, the architect of the country’s historic World Cup run in 2022.

World Cup 2026 Fixtures

Morocco have been handed a challenging but manageable group as they seek another deep run in the tournament.

June 13: Brazil vs Morocco – New York New Jersey Stadium

June 19: Scotland vs Morocco – Boston Stadium

June 24: Morocco vs Haiti – Atlanta Stadium

Squad Analysis

Morocco enter the tournament with a squad that blends experience from the 2022 campaign with exciting emerging talents.

Several players who played key roles in Qatar remain integral members of the squad, providing leadership and valuable tournament experience. At the same time, a new generation has begun to emerge through Morocco’s successful youth development system.

The squad boasts strength in defence, technical quality in midfield and increasing depth across multiple positions, making them one of Africa’s strongest representatives at the tournament.

Key Players

Achraf Hakimi

The dynamic full back remains Morocco’s biggest star and one of the finest defenders in world football. His pace, attacking quality and leadership make him indispensable.

Yassine Bounou

The experienced goalkeeper was one of the heroes of the 2022 campaign and continues to provide reliability between the posts.

Sofyan Amrabat

The midfielder serves as the engine of the team, combining defensive discipline with intelligent distribution.

Brahim Diaz

The creative attacker has become one of Morocco’s most influential attacking players and is expected to play a major role in the tournament.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Morocco possess one of the strongest defensive structures in international football. Their organisation, discipline and teamwork were key factors behind their success in Qatar and remain major assets.

The team also boasts significant tournament experience, with many players having already competed at the highest level.

Their ability to transition quickly from defence to attack makes them extremely dangerous against possession-based opponents.

Weaknesses

The transition to a new coach shortly before the tournament could create challenges regarding tactical continuity.

Morocco have occasionally struggled to convert chances against deep defensive blocks and may need greater attacking efficiency against teams willing to sit back.

Expectations are also significantly higher than they were in 2022, meaning opponents will approach matches against them with far greater caution.

Predicted Starting XI

Morocco are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Romain Saiss, Noussair Mazraoui

Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss

Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Youssef En Nesyri, Abde Ezzalzouli

Chances of Advancing

Morocco face a difficult opening match against Brazil, but the fixtures against Scotland and Haiti provide realistic opportunities to collect points.

The Atlas Lions have shown over the past four years that they are capable of competing with football’s elite, and their experience from Qatar 2022 should prove invaluable in pressure situations.

Progressing to the knockout stage appears well within reach, while another deep run cannot be ruled out if they maintain the defensive resilience that became their trademark in the previous tournament.

Prediction

Morocco possess the quality, experience and belief required to advance from their group and challenge some of the tournament’s strongest nations.

While repeating their semi-final achievement will be an enormous task, the Atlas Lions remain one of the most dangerous dark horses in the competition.

Predicted Group Finish: Second

Chance of Advancing: 80%

Best Possible Outcome: Quarter finals or semi-finals