World Cup 2026: Morocco step up preparations with intense training at Mohammed VI Football Complex

Morocco have officially stepped up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after commencing their pre-tournament training camp at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora.

The Atlas Lions held several training sessions on Friday as a number of players from head coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s final 26-man squad arrived in camp ahead of the global tournament.

Excitement is already building around the national team as Morocco prepare for another appearance on football’s biggest stage following their historic campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African nation to reach the semifinals.

Among the players present during the opening days of camp were Yassine Bounou, Brahim Diaz, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Azzedine Ounahi, and Yassine Gessime.

Ouahbi recently announced his final squad for the World Cup, retaining the experienced backbone of the team that has enjoyed success in recent years. Established stars including Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, and Bounou all made the squad, while Lille youngster Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to be one of the emerging talents to watch during the tournament.

Hakimi is expected to link up with the squad after completing his UEFA Champions League final commitments with Paris Saint-Germain this weekend. The defender remains one of Morocco’s most influential players and is expected to play a key leadership role during the competition.

As part of their preparations, the Atlas Lions will play two international friendlies before the tournament begins. Morocco will first host Madagascar on June 2 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat before travelling to the United States to face Norway in New Jersey on June 7.

The clash against Norway will serve as Morocco’s final warm-up fixture ahead of the World Cup opener.

Morocco have been drawn into a difficult Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. The Atlas Lions will begin their campaign against Brazil on June 13 at New York New Jersey Stadium before taking on Scotland on June 19 in Boston. Their final group stage encounter against Haiti is scheduled for June 24 in Atlanta.

Expectations remain high for the North African giants after winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, becoming Africa’s highest-ranked national team, and continuing to build on the momentum from their remarkable World Cup run in Qatar.

Supporters will now be hoping the Atlas Lions can once again produce another memorable campaign on the world stage.