World Cup 2026: Morocco team profile, fixtures, guide and stars to watch

Four years after becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals, Morocco return to the global stage carrying greater expectations, a deeper pool of talent and a burning desire to prove that Qatar 2022 was not a one-off.

Drawn in Group C, the Atlas Lions head to North America believing they possess the quality to go even further.

The landscape has changed since their fairytale run in Qatar. Walid Regragui, the architect of that historic campaign, has departed and Mohamed Ouahbi has been entrusted with guiding a side now ranked eighth in the world. With Group C fixtures looming and pressure mounting, Morocco’s hopes will once again rest heavily on captain Achraf Hakimi, the team’s undisputed superstar and one of the finest full-backs in world football.

The timing of Ouahbi’s appointment leaves little room for adjustment. The former Morocco Under-20 coach took over in March and immediately began reshaping the team’s tactical identity. Morocco drew 1-1 with Ecuador before edging Paraguay 2-1 later that month, offering glimpses of improvement after an inconsistent end to Regragui’s tenure.

Ouahbi favours a 4-2-3-1 system capable of transforming into a 4-2-2-2 shape. The tactical tweak is designed largely to maximise Hakimi’s attacking influence by creating space down the right flank for the captain to exploit.

The biggest hurdle may not be tactical. In Qatar, Morocco thrived as underdogs. This time, they arrive with status and expectation.

“I am aware of the expectations, but very honoured,” Ouahbi said at his unveiling. “I am committed to working with seriousness, humility and determination and also a lot of patriotism to continue on the path of progression of this team.”

Morocco’s recent journey has also been marked by controversy. In January, the Atlas Lions found themselves at the centre of one of African football’s strangest episodes during the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal. Senegal’s players walked off in protest after Morocco were awarded a penalty. Following a lengthy delay, Brahim Díaz missed his Panenka attempt and Senegal secured a 1-0 victory.

Two months later, however, Caf awarded the title to Morocco. Senegal have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, leaving uncertainty over the outcome. The emotional scars from that night remain.

“We all lived a trauma as Moroccans. That final was a difficult moment, but I think what matters the most is continuity,” Ouahbi said.

Mohamed Ouahbi: The educator turned national coach

Born in Brussels, Ouahbi initially pursued a career in education before discovering his true calling in football. Difficult early experiences as a teacher led him to local side Maccabi Foot Brussels, where coaching transformed his outlook.

“At the time I wasn’t really comfortable in front of a group [of people],” he said. “MFB helped me impose myself and discover the job of a coach.”

He spent 17 years working within Anderlecht’s academy system before taking charge of Morocco’s Under-20 side in 2022. Under his leadership, the Atlas Cubs reached their first World Cup in two decades and won a historic Under-20 world title in Chile. Morocco now hope that decisiveness and energy translate seamlessly to senior football.

Achraf Hakimi: The face of Moroccan football

No Moroccan footballer has embodied excellence and consistency quite like Achraf Hakimi. Admired figures such as Larbi Ben Barek, Noureddine Naybet and Yassine Bounou command enormous respect, but Hakimi occupies a different space altogether.

After emerging at Real Madrid, he excelled at Borussia Dortmund and Inter before reaching new heights at Paris Saint-Germain, winning the Champions League in 2025.

“I don’t know if Luis Enrique changed my career,” Hakimi said. “But his arrival has changed how the world of football sees me.”

In February, it emerged that Hakimi will face trial following an allegation of rape, which he denies.

Neil El Aynaoui: Morocco’s rising force

Neil El Aynaoui only made his Morocco debut last September, yet many already regard him as one of the national team’s most important players.

The son of Moroccan tennis legend Younes El Aynaoui combines defensive intelligence with attacking ambition. After impressing at Lens, he joined Roma last summer. Initial doubts from supporters and limited opportunities soon gave way to trust as he established himself within the side.

Morocco’s ambitions in North America could depend heavily on the midfielder’s ability to knit together defence and attack.

Noussair Mazraoui: The indispensable lieutenant

Often overshadowed by Hakimi’s brilliance, Noussair Mazraoui remains one of Morocco’s most valuable assets.

Used across six positions at Manchester United, Mazraoui offers remarkable versatility. For the national team, he operates primarily at left-back while sliding inside as an auxiliary centre-back whenever Hakimi surges forward.

His importance extends beyond tactics. Mazraoui’s leadership and insistence on maintaining standards have made him one of the squad’s emotional anchors, particularly in the captain’s absence.

Morocco can also count on unwavering support from the stands. As witnessed in Russia and Qatar, Atlas Lions fans travel in large numbers. A sizeable Moroccan diaspora across New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Canada is expected to transform stadiums into seas of red and green. Their anthem, passion and relentless energy could once again become one of the tournament’s defining sights.

The nation’s relationship with tournament co-hosts stretches back centuries. Morocco became the first country to recognise American independence in 1777.

During Donald Trump’s first presidency, the United States recognised Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, boosting his popularity among many Moroccans. American culture, from Hollywood to music, continues to shape everyday life in the kingdom.

Yet supporters’ biggest concern is neither political nor historical. It is financial. While Moroccans have consistently demonstrated their willingness to follow the national team across continents, soaring Fifa ticket prices threaten to limit access.

Despite the obstacles, Morocco arrive in North America convinced their golden generation still has unfinished business. History has already been made. Now the Atlas Lions want to make even more.