Confirmed: Botola Pro 2026-27 Season to start on September 24

Moroccan top flight remains at 16 clubs as preparations begin for new campaign

Morocco’s 2026-27 Botola Pro season will begin on Thursday, September 24, with the country’s top flight retaining its 16-team format for another campaign.

The start date was confirmed on Friday, August 28, by Abdesslam Belkchour, president of the National Professional Football League (LNFP), during the league draw at the Mohammed VI Complex in Maâmora.

The announcement gives the 16 clubs less than a month to complete their preparations before the new campaign gets under way.

The decision follows confirmation that the Botola Pro will remain a 16-team competition.

Plans to increase the number of clubs in the top division to 20 have not gone ahead, meaning there will be no change to the format for the 2026-27 season.

Opening round spread across three days

The first matchday will take place over three separate dates rather than being completed during one weekend.

Fixtures are scheduled for September 24, 26 and 27, with the adjustment linked to Morocco’s international commitments.

The Atlas Lions are due to host Gabon on Friday, September 25, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The international fixture has therefore affected the scheduling of the opening round of the domestic championship.

The LNFP has arranged the Botola fixtures around the national team’s commitments to prevent the domestic competition from clashing with the international programme.

As a result, the opening round will begin on Thursday before continuing on Saturday and Sunday.

Botola remains at 16 clubs

The decision to maintain the 16-team structure means the Botola Pro will continue with the same format for the coming season.

There had been a plan to expand the competition to 20 clubs, but that proposal ultimately failed to materialise.

The confirmation of the league structure provides the clubs with clarity as they prepare for the start of the campaign.

With the calendar now established, teams have a limited period remaining to complete their preparations before competitive action begins.

The opening of the new season will also mark the start of the battle to succeed Maghreb Association Sportive de Fès as Moroccan champions.

Race for the title begins

With the schedule now confirmed, attention will turn towards the clubs competing for the Botola Pro title.

The 16 teams will begin their campaigns on September 24, with the opening round continuing over the following three days.

The league’s decision to retain its current structure means clubs will compete under the established 16-team format rather than the proposed expanded competition.

The new campaign will also feature an increased financial reward for the eventual champions.

The future Botola Pro winner is set to receive a prize of more than $1 million, increasing the significance of the title race as clubs prepare for the new season.

For the participating teams, the countdown to the opening round is now under way.

The 2026-27 Botola Pro campaign will officially begin on September 24, while the staggered opening weekend will allow the domestic schedule to accommodate Morocco’s international fixture against Gabon.

With the competition structure settled and the calendar confirmed, the race for the Moroccan championship is ready to begin.

Botola Pro 2026-27 overview

Key details

• Competition: Botola Pro
• Season: 2026-27
• Start date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
• Number of clubs: 16
• Opening matchday: September 24, 26 and 27
• League president: Abdesslam Belkchour
• Morocco fixture: Morocco vs Gabon, September 25
• Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
• Champions to defend title: Maghreb Association Sportive de Fès
• Prize money: More than $1 million