A Legacy to Build Upon
When Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of a FIFA World Cup in 2022, they captured the imagination of the footballing world. Now, as the 2026 tournament approaches, the question on everyone’
Under the guidance of new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who succeeded the iconic Walid Regragui after Morocco’
Qualification Dominance
Morocco breezed through African qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, topping Group E with eight wins from eight matches. They scored 24 goals while conceding just three, demonstrating the kind of dominance expected from a nation now ranked eighth in the world by FIFA, ahead of traditional powerhouses Belgium and Germany.
This will be Morocco’
Squad Strength and Key Players
The core of the 2022 squad remains intact, led by Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, whose overlapping runs and crossing ability make him one of the most dangerous full-backs in world football. In midfield, Sofyan Amrabat continues to provide the defensive screen that proved so effective against Belgium, Spain, and Portugal in Qatar.
Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui bring technical quality and big-match experience, while the emergence of younger talents has added depth to a squad that already punched well above its weight three years ago.
Questions Over the Manager
The biggest unknown for Morocco heading into this World Cup is whether Ouahbi can replicate Regragui’
Group Stage and Path Ahead
Drawn in what appears to be a manageable group, Morocco will be expected to advance to the knockout rounds. The expanded 48-team format means that finishing in the top two of their group should be achievable, though the Atlas Lions will need to be wary of complacency.
With their disciplined defensive structure, rapid counter-attacking transitions, and a never-say-die attitude that became their trademark in Qatar, Morocco have every reason to believe they can go even further this time. The semi-final run of 2022 was not a fluke, it was the fruit of a football development project launched two decades ago under the vision of King Mohammed VI, an investment that is now yielding its richest dividends.
