Morocco at the World Cup 2026: Squad, fixtures, group and history

Morocco head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying the hopes of African football once again after their historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago.

The Atlas Lions are among the continent’s strongest contenders and will be aiming to build on their remarkable achievements on the global stage as they compete in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.

In this article, we take a closer look at Morocco’s group, fixtures, World Cup history and final 26-man squad for the tournament.

Group C Overview

Morocco have been drawn in a challenging Group C featuring five-time world champions Brazil, European side Scotland and Caribbean representatives Haiti.

The group promises exciting contests, with Morocco expected to battle Brazil for top spot while also facing difficult tests against Scotland and Haiti.

Group C Teams

Brazil
Morocco
Haiti
Scotland

Morocco Fixtures at World Cup 2026

The Atlas Lions begin their campaign with a blockbuster clash against Brazil before facing Scotland and Haiti in their remaining group matches.

Fixtures

Brazil vs Morocco – Saturday, 13 June 2026 – New York New Jersey Stadium
Scotland vs Morocco – Friday, 19 June 2026 – Boston Stadium
Morocco vs Haiti – Wednesday, 24 June 2026 – Atlanta Stadium

Morocco’s World Cup History

1970 Mexico: First Appearance

Morocco made their FIFA World Cup debut at the 1970 tournament in Mexico, becoming one of Africa’s early representatives on football’s biggest stage.

1986 Mexico: African Football Breakthrough

The 1986 World Cup marked a historic moment for both Morocco and African football.

The Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab nation to progress beyond the group stage after topping a difficult group containing England, Poland and Portugal.

1994 and 1998: Back-to-Back Appearances

Morocco qualified for consecutive World Cups in 1994 and 1998, earning admiration for their attacking style of play.

Despite producing several memorable performances, they narrowly missed out on qualification to the knockout stages in both tournaments.

2018 Russia: Return After Two Decades

After a 20-year absence from the World Cup, Morocco returned in 2018 and delivered competitive performances against some of Europe’s elite teams, including Portugal and Spain.

Although they exited in the group stage, the Atlas Lions showed signs of becoming a major force once again.

2022 Qatar: Historic Semi-Final Run

Morocco reached unprecedented heights at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab nation in history to reach the semi-finals of the tournament, producing one of the greatest underdog stories the World Cup has ever seen.

Their remarkable campaign cemented Morocco’s place among the rising powers in international football.

Morocco World Cup Record

Overall Record

Total Appearances: 7 (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022, 2026)
Best Result: Fourth Place (2022)
Total Matches Played: 21+

Morocco Final 26-Man Squad

Goalkeepers

Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal)
Munir El Kajoui (RS Berkane)
Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (AS FAR)

Defenders

Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United)
Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven)
Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly)
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk)
Nayef Aguerd (Marseille)
Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace)
Redouane Halhal (Mechelen)
Issa Diop (Fulham)

Midfielders

Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg)
Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille)
Neil El Aynaoui (Roma)
Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis)
Azzedine Ounahi (Girona)
Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart)
Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven)

Forwards

Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis)
Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland)
Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain)
Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiakos)
Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid)
Gessime Yassine (Strasbourg)
Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyabe (Eintracht Frankfurt)