With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Morocco’s experienced core and tactical discipline make them a serious contender. Here's our full squad prediction, starting XI, and how far they can go.
As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, Morocco enters the tournament with arguably their strongest squad in history. Under the continued leadership of Walid Regragui, the team has maintained the defensive solidity and collective spirit that propelled them to the 2022 semifinals. Heading into the USA-Mexico-Canada tournament, the Atlas Lions are expected to name a 26-man roster blending seasoned veterans and emerging talent. Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina), and Hakim Ziyech (Galatasaray) remain central figures, all having delivered consistent performances in the 2025-2026 club season.
Defensively, Nayef Aguerd (West Ham) and Badr Benoun (Al-Rayyan) provide reliability, while Adam Masina (Bologna) offers versatility at left-back. The emergence of Oussama El Azzouzi (Bologna) in midfield — with 5 goals and 7 assists — has added dynamism. In goal, Yassine Bounou (Al-Shabab) retains the number one spot, though competition from Munir Mohamedi and rising star Amine Talal keeps standards high. The squad reflects depth, balance, and tactical cohesion, essential for a 48-team format where fatigue and injuries loom large.
Morocco is expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation that defined their 2022 campaign, emphasizing defensive organization and rapid transitions. The back four will feature Hakimi and Mazraoui (Bayern Munich) as full-backs, with Aguerd and Benoun forming a disciplined central pairing. This unit allowed just two goals during CAF qualification, a testament to their resilience.
In midfield, Amrabat and El Azzouzi will form a double pivot, shielding the defense while enabling Ziyech to operate as the creative hub. Houssem Aouar (Lyon) and Abde Ezzalzouli (Real Betis) are likely starters on the wings, combining pace with intelligent movement. En-Nesyri (Fenerbahçe), with 14 goals in the Süper Lig this season, will lead the line.
"Morocco doesn’t rely on individual brilliance — they win as a unit," said a Premier League scout analyzing their qualifiers.This collective approach makes them dangerous against technically superior but less organized opponents.
Hakim Ziyech, now 33, may be playing his final World Cup, but his influence remains unmatched. With 8 assists in club football this season, his vision and set-piece delivery are critical. Sofyan Amrabat has rediscovered his peak form in Serie A, averaging over 3.5 interceptions per game, anchoring midfield with physicality and discipline. His ability to disrupt opposition play could decide tight knockout battles.
Youssef En-Nesyri is the focal point in attack. His hold-up play, aerial threat, and knack for crucial goals make him indispensable. Meanwhile, Achraf Hakimi continues to deliver at the highest level, with 6 assists for PSG in Ligue 1. His overlapping runs and defensive awareness are vital in both phases. Youngster Walid Cheddira (Bari) could be a wildcard off the bench, offering a different attacking dimension with his movement and finishing.
Drawn into Group F alongside Canada, South Korea, and Tunisia, Morocco faces a favorable path to the knockout stage. They dominated CAF qualifying, finishing unbeaten with six wins and two draws. Canada, despite the absence of Jonathan David due to injury, remains a threat through players like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan Osorio. South Korea, led by Son Heung-min, are organized but inconsistent. Tunisia struggled offensively, scoring just seven times in eight qualifiers.
Morocco should advance as group winners. A win over South Korea and a draw with Canada in Toronto would likely suffice. Their superior defensive record and tournament experience give them the edge. Finishing first avoids a potential Round of 32 clash with a European powerhouse, setting up a more manageable path into the last 16.
The most realistic target is the quarterfinals — a repeat of their historic 2022 run. The expanded format offers more opportunities, but also greater unpredictability. A Round of 32 match against Ecuador or Japan should be winnable. The Round of 16 could pit them against Belgium or Croatia — tough, but not insurmountable given Morocco’s record against European sides.
Reaching the semifinals again would require another series of miracles, but it’s not impossible. If Ziyech and En-Nesyri fire, and the defense holds firm, Morocco could shock the world once more. Experts believe this squad has the maturity, depth, and belief to go deep — and possibly rewrite history.
Q: Has Morocco qualified for the 2026 World Cup?
A: Yes, Morocco qualified as group winners in CAF qualifying, remaining unbeaten with six wins and two draws.
Q: Who is the Morocco manager?
A: Walid Regragui is still in charge, having extended his contract through 2028 after the 2022 semifinal run.
Q: Who is Morocco's best player?
A: Hakim Ziyech is widely regarded as the best player, combining creativity, leadership, and big-game experience.