Morocco World Cup 2026: Group C preview, squad list and key players

Morocco head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a growing reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent international forces, but their Group C assignment arrives against a backdrop of disruption, dispute and transition.

Drawn alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti, the Atlas Lions will open their campaign on June 13 in New Jersey against the South American giants, a fixture that immediately tests their ambition to better or even match their historic 2022 semi-final run.

The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11, with global coverage and live updates available via Al Jazeera’s dedicated tournament page, including match build-up, standings and results.

Four years ago, Morocco stunned the football world by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in Qatar, eliminating Spain and Portugal before falling narrowly to France. That campaign reshaped perceptions of African football on the global stage.

Now ranked 8th in the world, Morocco arrive with expectations firmly reset at the elite level.

Morocco’s World Cup record and key figures

The Atlas Lions are not new to the tournament spotlight:

• Previous World Cup appearances: 6
• First appearance: 1970 (Mexico)
• Best performance: Fourth place (2022)
• Top scorer: Youssef En-Nesyri (3 goals)
• Most appearances: Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech (10 matches)
• FIFA world ranking: 8
• Player to watch: Brahim Diaz

That 2022 breakthrough has become the benchmark, but replicating it in 2026 may prove more complex given recent turbulence surrounding the squad.

AFCON fallout leaves lingering tension

Morocco’s preparations have been heavily overshadowed by controversy stemming from January’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, an event that escalated into one of the most disputed episodes in recent African football history.

The match between Morocco and Senegal ended in chaos after Senegal players walked off in protest following a late VAR decision awarding Morocco a penalty during a 0-0 stalemate. The decision triggered unrest among supporters, with 18 fans later jailed in connection with disturbances.

After a prolonged delay, Senegal returned, and Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz saw his penalty saved after attempting a panenka. Senegal went on to win 1-0 in extra time.

However, the situation intensified months later when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped Senegal of the title and awarded it to Morocco, ruling the walk-off constituted forfeiture. Senegal have since appealed at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, escalating diplomatic and sporting tensions.

The controversy has left Morocco’s squad navigating a complicated emotional and political aftermath despite being officially crowned champions.

Coaching upheaval and the Regragui departure

Further instability came in March with the departure of Walid Regragui, the architect of Morocco’s 2022 World Cup success.

His exit followed internal friction with the football federation and dissatisfaction over the AFCON final outcome, alongside reported disagreements over the national team’s long-term direction.

In his place, Mohamed Ouahbi was appointed after leading Morocco’s Under-20 side to the 2025 Youth World Cup title. His appointment was framed by the federation as a “strategic decision” aimed at continuity and renewal.

A source close to the federation told AFP it reflected “a desire not to waste time and to take a different direction.”

Ouahbi, however, inherits a major challenge at senior international level for the first time.

“I’m not here to build, because the foundations are already in place. I’m here to keep performing,” he said after his appointment.

Whether he can translate youth success into World Cup stability remains one of Morocco’s biggest unknowns.

Brahim Diaz and the weight of expectation

Much of Morocco’s attacking hope rests on Brahim Diaz, whose AFCON campaign confirmed his status as one of the continent’s standout performers.

Before his penalty miss in the final, the Real Madrid playmaker had been arguably the tournament’s best player, finishing as top scorer with five goals and driving Morocco to the final.

Quick, intelligent and capable of unlocking tight defences, Diaz remains central to Morocco’s creative identity. However, the psychological impact of the AFCON final incident may linger.

Morocco will hope he transforms that disappointment into motivation on football’s biggest stage.

Rising talent Bouaddi and selection surprises

One of the standout inclusions in the squad is 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has switched allegiance after previously representing France at youth level.

He described his selection as:

“A dream come true, but above all the start of a new chapter, with even more work, rigour and responsibilities.”

He added that representing Morocco is a “privilege” while maintaining respect for his time with France.

Notably absent is Youssef En-Nesyri, Morocco’s most decisive attacker in Qatar 2022, including the winning goal against Portugal in the quarter-finals.

Other key squad figures include Bilal El Khannouss, a creative midfield presence, and Sofyan Amrabat, who provides defensive steel and leadership.

Defender Nayef Aguerd has also been selected despite an injury absence since March.

Hakimi remains Morocco’s global star

Achraf Hakimi continues to be one of Morocco’s most influential figures.

The Paris Saint-Germain right back registered 11 goals and 14 assists last season as his club secured a historic treble, earning him CAF African Player of the Year honours.

Although his output has dipped this campaign and his season has been overshadowed by off-field legal allegations he denies, his attacking thrust and defensive consistency still place him among the world’s elite full backs.

His importance to Morocco’s system remains undisputed.

Group C analysis: Brazil first, opportunity after

Morocco’s Group C journey begins with Brazil, a fixture that remains the defining test of their opening phase. While Brazil’s dominance has softened compared to previous generations, their squad depth and attacking quality still pose a major challenge.

Scotland and Haiti follow, offering more navigable assignments. Morocco will be expected to secure maximum points if they are to reach the knockout rounds.

The Atlas Lions also share historical context with both Brazil and Scotland, having met them at the 1998 World Cup. That tournament ended with mixed results, including a 3-0 win over Scotland, a 3-0 loss to Brazil and a draw with Norway, as Morocco exited at the group stage.

Morocco’s Group C fixtures

• June 13: Brazil vs Morocco (New Jersey, USA), 6pm ET
• June 19: Scotland vs Morocco (Boston, USA), 6pm ET
• June 24: Morocco vs Haiti (Atlanta, Georgia, USA), 6pm ET

Squad depth and tactical outlook

Morocco’s 2026 squad blends experience with emerging talent:

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir Mohamedi, Ahmed Tagnaouti

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Nayef Aguerd, Chadi Riad, Issa Diop, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Anass Salah-Eddine, Youssef Belammari, Redouane Halhal

Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss, Neil El Aynaoui, Samir El Mourabet, Ismael Saibari, Ayyoub Bouaddi

Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Soufiane Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Chemsdine Talbi, Yassine Gessime, Ayoub Amaimouni-Echghouyabe

The blend reflects both continuity and transition, with several players stepping into expanded roles under a relatively inexperienced coach at this level.

Outlook: ambition meets instability

Despite internal disruption, Morocco remain one of Africa’s strongest contenders, backed by elite talent and recent global pedigree.

However, Al Jazeera’s tournament preview suggests caution, predicting a round of 16 exit given the managerial inexperience and ongoing squad turbulence.

Still, with Hakimi at the peak of his powers and Diaz capable of decisive moments, Morocco retain enough quality to challenge any opponent on their day.

The question heading into 2026 is whether stability can be restored quickly enough to turn ambition into another deep World Cup run, or whether off-field turbulence will blunt one of Africa’s most gifted generations.