Morocco’s final 26-man squad for World Cup arrive at Mohammed VI Complex to kick off preparations

Morocco’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are officially underway as Atlas Lions players begin arriving at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora for the team’s pre-tournament training camp.

The atmosphere around the national team is already building with excitement as Morocco prepares for another appearance on football’s biggest stage following their historic run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Key stars report to camp

Several players were present on the opening day of camp, including Yassine Bounou, Brahim Diaz, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Azzedine Ounahi, and Yassine Gessime.

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi recently unveiled his final 26-man squad for the tournament, maintaining the experienced core of the team that has delivered success in recent years.

Established stars such as Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, and goalkeeper Bounou were all included in the squad, while Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi has emerged as one of the exciting new faces supporters are eager to watch during the competition.

Hakimi expected after Champions League final

Achraf Hakimi is expected to join the national team camp after completing his UEFA Champions League final duties with Paris Saint-Germain this weekend.

The Moroccan defender remains one of the most important figures in the squad and is expected to play a leading role at the World Cup.

Friendly matches scheduled before tournament

Before the start of the tournament, Morocco will play two international friendly matches as part of their final preparations.

The Atlas Lions will first face Madagascar on June 2 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat before travelling to the United States to take on Norway in New Jersey on June 7.

The match against Norway will serve as Morocco’s final warm-up game before the World Cup begins.

Morocco face difficult World Cup group

Morocco have been drawn into a challenging Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.

The Atlas Lions will open their World Cup campaign against Brazil on June 13 at New York New Jersey Stadium before facing Scotland on June 19 in Boston.

Their final group stage match against Haiti will be played on June 24 in Atlanta.

Expectations remain high

Morocco head into the tournament carrying enormous expectations after becoming Africa’s highest-ranked national team, winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and reaching the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Fans will be hoping the Atlas Lions can once again make history on the global stage.