Morocco at the 2026 World Cup: Squad, Group & Fixtures

Morocco changed the story of African and Arab football in 2022, and they return to the 2026 World Cup not as plucky underdogs but as genuine contenders. The Atlas Lions have the talent, the experience and the unshakeable belief to go deep again, backed by some of the loudest support in world football.

World Cup pedigree

Morocco's history reached its peak at Qatar 2022, when they became the first African and first Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, beating Belgium, Spain and Portugal along the way before finishing fourth. Before that, their 1986 side became the first African team to top a World Cup group. That extraordinary 2022 run reset expectations entirely, both at home and across the continent, and turned a generation of players into national icons.

The manager

Walid Regragui, the architect of the 2022 fairytale, remains in charge. His pragmatic, defensively disciplined approach, built on a rock-solid back line and ruthless transitions, suits a squad full of European-based talent and tournament nous. Regragui is also a brilliant motivator who has fostered a tight-knit, family-like spirit within the camp, an intangible that proved decisive during the run to the last four.

Key players to watch

• Achraf Hakimi — the marauding PSG full-back who is among the very best in the world in his position, offering attacking thrust and big-game composure.
• Sofyan Amrabat — the combative, ground-covering midfield shield who broke through to global prominence in 2022.
• Brahim Diaz — the Real Madrid playmaker who committed his international future to Morocco, adding silky creativity.
• Youssef En-Nesyri — a powerful, aerially dominant centre-forward and a reliable source of goals.
• Bilal El Khannouss — a gifted young midfielder driving the next generation of Atlas Lions.

Tactical style

Regragui's Morocco defend in a compact, disciplined block and strike fast on the counter-attack, using Hakimi's overlapping runs and the speed of their wide players. They are exceptionally hard to break down, concede very little and are deadly from set pieces, the blueprint that carried them to the semis. They can also dominate the ball against lesser sides, showing a tactical flexibility that makes them awkward for any opponent to plan against.

The group and toughest opponent

Morocco are in Group C with Brazil, Haiti and Scotland. The marquee fixture is undoubtedly Brazil, five-time champions and the group's most dangerous side, in a meeting of two of the tournament's most watchable teams. Scotland are well-drilled, physical and full of fight, while Haiti will be highly motivated underdogs with nothing to lose. Follow every result on our live scores page and track positions on group standings.

A realistic route

Morocco should be confident of reaching the knockouts, likely battling Brazil for top spot in a fascinating tactical duel. Given their 2022 pedigree and the maturity of this squad, a run to the quarter-finals or beyond is a credible target, and few teams will relish facing them in a knockout. With home-from-home support roaring them on, the Atlas Lions are dark horses for the latter stages. Map out the path on our match schedule.

How to watch and follow live

Morocco's matches will be broadcast across global networks and streaming platforms, with huge, vocal support expected in the host stadiums. For instant scores, line-ups and live updates, keep our live scores hub handy, and explore the rest of the field on the all teams page.

FAQ

How far did Morocco go in the 2022 World Cup?

Morocco reached the semi-finals and finished fourth, becoming the first African and first Arab nation to reach the last four.

Who is Morocco's manager at the 2026 World Cup?

Walid Regragui, who led the side to their historic 2022 semi-final, remains in charge.

Which group is Morocco in?

Morocco are in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti and Scotland, with Brazil the standout opponent.