Morocco U-15 team set for 2026 World Cup in Azerbaijan

Morocco’s under-15 national team will compete in the 2026 World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, with five matches scheduled between October 24 and 26.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced the young Atlas Lions’ participation on Saturday, October 17, confirming the fixtures and a 14-player squad selected by head coach Karim Meftal.

Morocco will open their campaign against the Philippines on Saturday, October 24, at 5:00 am Moroccan time before facing Costa Rica and Belize in two matches on Sunday, October 25.

The team will complete its opening-phase schedule on Monday, October 26, with matches against Curaçao and Liberia as the young Moroccans seek to secure a place in the next stage.

The following phase is scheduled for October 28–30, with fixtures to be determined by the results of the opening round.

Morocco face five matches in three days

The Atlas Lions’ demanding schedule begins against the Philippines before a double-header against Costa Rica at 10:30 am and Belize at 4:45 pm on Sunday.

Morocco will then face Curaçao at 10:30 am on Monday before concluding their opening-phase fixtures against Liberia at 4:45 pm.

The five encounters will determine Morocco’s position ahead of the next stage, which is due to take place between October 28 and 30.

Meftal names 14-player Morocco squad

Coach Karim Meftal has selected 14 players drawn from four football development institutions and clubs across Morocco.

The Mohammed VI Football Academy provides the largest contingent, with six players, while the Federal Training Center in Benguerir contributes five.

Adam Mimouni, Mohammed El Abbassi, Safouane Blamine, Said Diaji, Baraa Jarrari and Imran El Mabrouki will represent the Mohammed VI Football Academy.

The Federal Training Center in Benguerir is represented by Ayoub Draa, Yahya El Ouizi, Nizar Bouhaddou, Mohammed Ajana and Said Noufi.

The remaining places go to Mohammed Fahd El Assas of FUS Rabat, Mohammed Amine Rezzakoui of AS FAR and Ziad Abboud of Renaissance Berkane.

Morocco’s youth development system in focus

Morocco’s participation comes as the country continues to invest in youth football and the development of emerging players through specialised training programmes.

The Mohammed VI Football Academy, established in 2009, has become one of the country’s leading football development institutions, producing players who have progressed into professional football and national team representation.

The Federal Training Center in Benguerir also plays a role in the country’s youth development system, offering structured training and opportunities for young players to advance through the national football ranks.

The selection of players from these institutions highlights their contribution to preparing Morocco’s emerging talent for international competition.

The tournament in Azerbaijan will give Meftal’s squad an opportunity to gain experience against opponents from different regions, including Asia, Central America, the Caribbean and Africa.

Morocco’s immediate task will be to navigate their five opening-phase matches successfully and secure a favourable position for the next stage, scheduled for October 28–30.