Morocco at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Morocco made their World Cup debut in 1970 and have since qualified for seven tournaments. Their most memorable moment came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the semi-finals, becoming the first African and Arab nation to do so. They were eliminated 2-0 by France and then lost 2-1 to Croatia in the third-place match, finishing fourth overall. Earlier, in 1986, Morocco became the first African team to win a World Cup group stage and advance to the knockout round. As of April 2026, they hold the highest FIFA ranking ever achieved by an African team.

Qualification

Morocco qualified for the 2026 World Cup by winning CAF Group E with a perfect record of eight wins from eight matches, scoring 22 goals and conceding only twice, finishing with a goal difference of +20. They became the first African nation to secure a World Cup berth for 2026, clinching their spot with two matchdays to spare. It marked Morocco's third successive World Cup qualification. Veteran coach Walid Regragui, who led them to the 2022 semi-finals, resigned in early 2026 and was replaced by Mohamed Ouahbi, who had previously won the FIFA U20 World Cup with Morocco's youth team.

Preparation

Under new coach Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco held a pre-tournament camp at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé and won twice at home (5-0 over Burundi on 26 May, 4-0 over Madagascar on 2 June), then flew to New Jersey and based themselves at The Pingry School. Their final warm-up, a 1-1 draw with Norway on 7 June, came at a cost: Noussair Mazraoui went off with a partial shoulder dislocation and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli with a knee ligament sprain. Both Ezzalzouli and Nayef Aguerd (groin surgery since March) were formally removed from the 26-man squad on 11 June and replaced by Marwane Saadane and Amine Sbaï. Morocco opened the tournament on 13 June with a 1-1 draw against Brazil at MetLife Stadium: Ismael Saibari chipped Alisson in the 21st minute but Vinicius Junior equalised in the 32nd. Mazraoui started and impressed. Morocco's second Group C match, on 20 June at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, produced a 1-0 win over Scotland: Saibari scored after just 71 seconds, the fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup, and Morocco dominated with a record 601 completed passes. The Atlas Lions then faced Haiti on 24 June in Atlanta, needing to avoid defeat to clinch second place. They were twice pegged back - Haiti led via a Bounou own goal (10') and Isidor's long-range strike (43') - before Hakimi (39') and Saibari (45+1') levelled at half-time. Ouahbi intervened at the break to demand more intensity. Second-half substitute Rahimi's deflected shot (78') and 20-year-old Gessime Yassine's debut World Cup goal (89') sealed a 4-2 win. Saibari scored in all three group matches. Hakimi's appearance set a new record as the most-capped African player in World Cup history (13). Morocco finished Group C runners-up on 7 points and flew to Monterrey, Mexico, where they face the Netherlands (Group F winners) in the Round of 32 at Estadio BBVA on 29 June. Morocco became only the third African nation to reach the knockout stage in consecutive World Cups. In the Round of 32 on 29 June at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Morocco drew 1-1 with the Netherlands (Gakpo 72', Diop 90'+1) before winning 3-2 on penalties, with Ismael Saibari scoring the decisive kick. In the Round of 16 on 4 July at Houston Stadium, Morocco thrashed co-hosts Canada 3-0, Ounahi scoring twice (50', 82') and substitute Rahimi adding a third in stoppage time. Morocco's run ended in the quarterfinal on 9 July at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, losing 2-0 to France (Mbappe 60', Dembele 66'). The Atlas Lions collected $19 million in FIFA prize money for the run.

Latest news

Lamouchi: dual-national players now choose Morocco for its ambitious project

· general

Former Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi said dual-national players increasingly choose Morocco over rival federations, praising its investment in academies and infrastructure. He said Morocco has overtaken Tunisia and now leads African football investment, calling it an 'ambitious project' that attracts talent after the Atlas Lions' 2026 World Cup run.

Hakimi and Diaz look ahead after Morocco's World Cup exit

· general

Nearly a week after Morocco's World Cup quarterfinal exit, Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi addressed fans. Diaz wrote: 'We leave with sadness, but this doesn't end here. We'll come back stronger... The best is yet to come.' Hakimi posted: 'Great nations are not defined by a defeat, but by everything they build,' echoing the same forward-looking message.

Morocco's World Cup run ends with $19 million FIFA reward

· general

Morocco's World Cup ended in the quarterfinals against France, but the campaign still earned the Atlas Lions $19 million (190 million dirhams) from FIFA's prize pool. Missing the semifinal cost Morocco a further $27 million bonus; semifinalists earn more, with the champion taking $50 million. The funds are expected to support the Royal Moroccan Football Federation's development programs.

France eliminate Morocco 2-0 in World Cup quarterfinal

· matches

France eliminated Morocco 2-0 in the World Cup quarterfinal at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on 9 July. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 60th minute after missing a first-half penalty, then set up Ousmane Dembele to make it 2-0 in the 66th. France advance to face the Spain-Belgium winner in the semifinal in Dallas.

Morocco thrash co-hosts Canada 3-0 to reach the quarterfinals

· matches

Morocco eliminated co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the World Cup round of 16 at Houston Stadium on 4 July. After a quiet first half, Azzedine Ounahi struck twice (50', 82') following a Hakimi assist, and substitute Soufiane Rahimi added a third in stoppage time (90'+8), set up by Brahim Diaz, sending Morocco into the quarterfinals.

Morocco beat Netherlands on penalties to reach the round of 16

· matches

Morocco beat the Netherlands on penalties to reach the World Cup round of 16. Cody Gakpo put the Dutch ahead in the 72nd minute at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico, before Issa Diop equalised in second-half stoppage time (90'+1) to force extra time. Morocco won the shootout 3-2, with Ismael Saibari scoring the decisive penalty.

Ouahbi and Bounou hold pre-match press conference ahead of Netherlands Round of 32

· general

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou addressed media on 28 June ahead of Morocco's Round of 32 against the Netherlands at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey on 29 June. No injury concerns were raised. The team entered the knockout stage with high morale after an unbeaten group phase, finishing second in Group C with 7 points.

Hakimi names Munir Mohamedi as the true leader of the Moroccan squad

· general

In an interview on ABtalks, Achraf Hakimi named veteran goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi (37) as Morocco's real leader: 'When he speaks, everyone listens to him and respects him.' Hakimi highlighted Mohamedi's experience across three consecutive World Cups and multiple Africa Cup of Nations as invaluable to squad cohesion, whether he plays or supports from the bench.

Opta gives Morocco 25% chance against Netherlands in Round of 32

· general

Opta's supercomputer gives Netherlands a 47.6% chance of advancing, Morocco 25%, a draw 27.4% before their 29 June clash at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey. Morocco are only the third African nation to reach the knockout stage in consecutive World Cups. The teams last met at a World Cup in 1994, the Netherlands winning 2-1. The Netherlands topped Group F with 10 goals; Brian Brobbey led scoring with 3.

Hakimi: unity is Morocco's secret weapon and hopes to be first African team to win World Cup

· general

Achraf Hakimi named team cohesion Morocco's greatest strength: 'We have fun, dance, laugh, play cards, and spend as much time together as possible. That is the most important thing because we feel like one family.' On winning it he said: 'Maybe, why not, win the World Cup one day. It would be the first time an African nation wins the World Cup.' He stressed staying focused match by match.

FIFA appoints Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio for Morocco vs Netherlands

· general

FIFA assigned Wilton Sampaio (Brazil, age 44) to officiate the Morocco-Netherlands Round of 32 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey on 29 June. Sampaio has been an international referee since 2013 and previously refereed the Netherlands vs United States round-of-16 match at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Assistant coach Sacramento: 'The dream is still alive, it's time for the next stage'

· general

After Morocco's qualification for the Round of 32, assistant coach Joao Sacramento posted on Instagram: 'We move on. The group stage is now behind us. Thank you to these incredible players who make us proud. The dream is still alive. It's time for the next stage.' Morocco face the Netherlands in Monterrey on 29 June.

Morocco secures $11 million in FIFA prize money for reaching the Round of 32

· general

Morocco earned $11 million from FIFA after finishing second in Group C and advancing to the Round of 32. This is on top of the $2.5 million participation fee all qualified teams received before the tournament. FIFA's prize structure escalates: quarterfinalists receive $19 million and the 2026 World Cup winner earns $50 million.

Hakimi sets record as most-capped African player in World Cup history

· general

Achraf Hakimi became the most-capped African player in World Cup history, reaching 13 appearances across three consecutive tournaments (3 in Russia 2018, 7 in Qatar 2022, 3 in 2026). He surpassed the previous African record holders, Cameroon's Francois Omam-Biyik and Ghana's Asamoah Gyan, who each had 11 World Cup appearances. CAF officially recognised the milestone.

El Khannouss: lack of humility nearly cost Morocco against Haiti

· general

El Khannouss admitted after the 4-2 win over Haiti: 'We were not humble enough. We did not approach every duel, cross, and defensive or attacking action with the intensity required, and Haiti punished us.' Ouahbi intervened at half-time urging the squad to compete harder in duels and regain possession faster. El Khannouss noted the stakes change entirely in the knockout phase.

Morocco beat Haiti 4-2 to finish Group C runners-up and reach the round of 32

· matches

Morocco defeated Haiti 4-2 at Atlanta Stadium. Haiti led via Bounou own goal (10') and Isidor strike (43'). Hakimi (39') and Saibari (45+1') levelled. Rahimi's deflected shot (78') put Morocco ahead; substitute Gessime Yassine (89') scored his first international goal. Morocco finish Group C runners-up on 7 points and face the Group F winner at Estadio Monterrey on 29 June.

Gessime Yassine scores first international goal on World Cup debut

· general

Substitute Yassine Gessime, 20, scored his first senior international goal in his first World Cup appearance, tapping in in the 89th minute to make it 4-2 against Haiti. He had not featured in Morocco's first two group matches. After the match he said: 'I'm happy to score my first goal in my first World Cup match.'

Hakimi and Saibari lead Morocco's individual statistics at the 2026 World Cup

· general

After two Group C matches: Hakimi leads in passes (144), crosses (10) and shots on target (5). Saibari tops in goals (2), sprints (145) and defensive pressures (107). Diaz has both assists. El Aynaoui covered most distance (24.07 km). Diop leads in line-breaking attempts (53), Ounahi in passing options offered (130).

Full squad available as Morocco train in New Jersey ahead of Haiti finale

· general

Three days before their decisive Group C match against Haiti in Atlanta, Morocco trained at their New Jersey base with the entire squad available. The coaching staff ran tactical ball drills focusing on collective movements, passing circuits and transition phases. Captain Hakimi and teammates showed focus and determination throughout the session.

Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 with Saibari's 71-second opener to lead Group C

· matches

Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough. Saibari scored after 71 seconds (Brahim Diaz assist), the fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup. Morocco dominated with 601 completed passes (African WC record since 1966), 59% possession, 12 shots to Scotland's 6, and xG 0.97 vs 0.54. Hakimi led with 108 touches. Morocco lead Group C with 4 points.

Morocco rise to 5th in FIFA rankings after Scotland victory

· general

Following the 1-0 win over Scotland, Morocco climbed to 5th place in the FIFA World Rankings, surpassing Brazil, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. The Atlas Lions now hold the highest FIFA ranking ever achieved by an African team.

Halhal: Morocco knows how to win in different ways

· general

Defender Redouane Halhal spoke after the Scotland win: 'The good thing about our team is that we know how to win matches in different ways. We know how to win mentally, tactically, and technically.' He noted that Morocco anticipated Scotland's deep defensive block and long-ball threat, and the squad remains focused ahead of the final group match.

Full squad available as Morocco complete preparations for Scotland clash

· general

Morocco trained at Pingry School in New Jersey on 18 June with all 26 players present, including goalkeeper Yassine Bounou who took part normally after injury concerns. Coach Ouahbi warned Scotland will be a tougher, more physical test than Brazil. Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa attended the session. No injuries or absences in camp.

Morocco step up Scotland preparations at The Pingry School in New Jersey

· general

Morocco held a tactical and technical training session at The Pingry School in New Jersey on 17 June, with coach Ouahbi assessing squad readiness. The first 15 minutes were open to media. The squad appeared focused and determined ahead of their second Group C match against Scotland on 19 June at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

Ouahbi: Bounou shoulder knock from Brazil match not serious

· injuries

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi played down concerns over goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who took a shoulder collision from Raphinha in the 84th minute of the Brazil draw. Ouahbi described it as a minor contact and said it did not look alarming. Bounou had completed the match and Ouahbi expected him to be available for Scotland, pending further examinations.

Morocco earn hard-fought 1-1 draw with Brazil in World Cup Group C opener

· matches

Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil at MetLife Stadium in their Group C opener. Ismael Saibari chipped Alisson in the 21st minute after a through ball from Brahim Diaz. Vinicius Junior equalised in the 32nd minute with a curling right-footed shot. Mazraoui, fit after his shoulder scare, started and impressed. Hakimi: 'We drew but we are happy with the performance.'

Morocco cut Aguerd and Ezzalzouli from World Cup squad, replaced by Saadane and Sbaï

· squad

Morocco removed Nayef Aguerd and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli from their 26-man squad on 11 June. Aguerd (not played since 4 March, groin surgery) was replaced by defender Marwane Saadane (Al-Fateh). Ezzalzouli (right-knee ligament sprain, Norway) was replaced by winger Amine Sbaï (Angers). FIFA confirmed the changes roughly 24 hours before the Brazil opener.

Mazraoui on solo indoor rehab with Brazil opener availability still uncertain

· injuries

Mazraoui moved to solo indoor rehab away from group training, working with physiotherapists on a personalized recovery plan following the partial shoulder dislocation sustained against Norway. Medical exams showed positive results but his availability for the 13 June Brazil opener remains uncertain, with Ouahbi monitoring closely before making a final decision.

Mazraoui rejoins Morocco training while Ezzalzouli stays sidelined before Brazil opener

· injuries

Morocco resumed work in New Jersey after a rest day, and Noussair Mazraoui rejoined group training following the shoulder injury he picked up against Norway, a positive sign for his availability against Brazil on 13 June. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli was again absent as he recovers from his knee injury, leaving his participation in the early Group C fixtures in doubt.

Morocco assess Mazraoui and Ezzalzouli injuries from the Norway friendly

· injuries

Noussair Mazraoui suffered a partial shoulder dislocation against Norway, but it is not serious: a short layoff of about a week and a chance to feature in the tournament. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli sustained a moderate right-knee ligament sprain after colliding with Chadi Riad and is expected out two to four weeks. Both stayed with the squad; Ouahbi was more worried about the injuries than the result.

Morocco draw 1-1 with Norway in final World Cup warm-up but lose two players to injury

· matches

In their last pre-tournament friendly at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, Morocco drew 1-1 with Norway. Brahim Diaz put Morocco ahead in the 8th minute, set up by Abde Ezzalzouli, before Martin Odegaard equalised in the 75th. Two injuries overshadowed it: Mazraoui went off in the 29th clutching his shoulder, and Ezzalzouli did not reappear after the break with a knee problem.

Morocco hold final US training session before Norway warm-up

· matches

Morocco trained at The Pingry School in New Jersey on 6 June, starting with indoor fitness work before tactical and technical drills, as the coaching staff sharpened match readiness ahead of their last pre-tournament friendly against Norway on 7 June at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.

Morocco put Hakimi, Aguerd, Talbi and El Aynaoui on individual training programs

· injuries

Mohamed Ouahbi put four players on individual training programs at the US camp: Achraf Hakimi (workload after PSG's Champions League final and an earlier Bayern injury), Chemsdine Talbi (recovering from the injury that ruled him out of the Madagascar friendly), Nayef Aguerd (after March surgery) and Neil El Aynaoui (routine for his physical state). Aim: full fitness for the 13 June Brazil opener.

El Ouahdi secures US visa and is set to join Morocco's camp

· squad

After being refused a US visa twice and missing the squad's flight, defender Zakaria El Ouahdi obtained his travel papers, with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation helping resolve the matter via Casablanca, and is set to link up with the team in New Jersey. Young defender Ali Maamar had been put on standby during the uncertainty.

Morocco climb to record 7th in FIFA ranking, highest ever for an African team

· general

Morocco rose one place to 7th in the FIFA Men's World Ranking, overtaking the Netherlands with 1,756.94 points: the highest position ever achieved by an African team. The climb followed pre-tournament wins over Burundi (5-0) and Madagascar (4-0). France, Spain and Argentina hold the top three.

El Ouahdi left behind as US visa complications delay his travel

· squad

Defender Zakaria El Ouahdi did not fly with the squad to the US: Morocco World News reported his visa was rejected twice while he was based in Belgium, with the matter now handled via Casablanca and a separate flight booked for Saturday. Hespress noted conflicting accounts, with some sources disputing a visa cause.

Atlas Lions depart Rabat for the US, arriving in New Jersey

· general

Morocco's delegation flew from Rabat-Salé airport on 3 June and landed at Newark Liberty International Airport, greeted by Morocco's US ambassador Youssef Amrani and Consul General Mohamed Ait Bihi. Captain Achraf Hakimi, who arrived late after PSG's Champions League win, travelled with the squad to the base at The Pingry School, New Jersey.

Morocco beat Madagascar 4-0 in final home World Cup warm-up

· matches

Morocco won their second pre-tournament friendly 4-0 against Madagascar at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Ismael Saibari struck twice early (3rd and 25th), Soufiane Rahimi added a penalty (78th) and Ayoub El Kaabi made it four (84th). A heavily rotated side dominated with around 70% possession; Madagascar finished with ten men after a red card.

Morocco wrap final training session before Madagascar warm-up

· matches

Morocco completed their last training session under Mohamed Ouahbi (physical conditioning and tactical drills) ahead of the friendly against Madagascar on 2 June, their final home outing before travelling to North America for the World Cup.

Hakimi to sit out Madagascar friendly as a precaution

· matches

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi will rest captain Achraf Hakimi for the Madagascar friendly as a preventive move to manage his physical load after a Bayern Munich injury and a demanding PSG season. Hakimi stays with the camp under medical monitoring.

Ouahbi grants Hakimi a late camp arrival after PSG's Champions League win

· squad

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi allowed Achraf Hakimi to delay joining the national-team camp so he could celebrate PSG's Champions League triumph; the captain was expected to arrive Monday evening.

Three reserves travel with Morocco to the US camp outside the 26

· squad

Morocco are taking three reserve players to their US World Cup camp: goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar, defender Marwane Saadane and midfielder Amine Sbai. They are not part of the official 26-man squad but train with the team as backup in case of injury.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Yassine BounouGKAl-Hilal
Munir El KajouiGKRenaissance de Berkane
Ahmed Reda TagnaoutiGKAS FAR
Achraf HakimiDFParis Saint-Germain
Noussair MazraouiDFManchester United
Marwane SaadaneDFAl-Fateh
Chadi RiadDFCrystal Palace
Issa DiopDFFulham
Anass Salah-EddineDFPSV Eindhoven
Youssef BelammariDFAl-Ahly
Zakaria El OuahdiDFKRC Genk
Redouane HalhalDFKV Mechelen
Sofyan AmrabatMFReal Betis
Ismael SaibariMFPSV Eindhoven
Bilal El KhannoussMFVfB Stuttgart
Ayyoub BouaddiMFLille OSC
Neil El AynaouiMFAS Roma
Azzedine OunahiMFGirona FC
Samir El MourabetMFRC Strasbourg Alsace
Brahim DiazFWReal Madrid
Ayoub El KaabiFWOlympiacos
Amine SbaïFWAngers
Soufiane RahimiFWAl-Ain
Chemsdine TalbiFWSunderland
Yassine GessimeFWRC Strasbourg Alsace
Ayoube AmaimouniFWEintracht Frankfurt

Recent results

  • 2023-11-21 — TAN 0-2 MAR (qualification)
  • 2024-01-11 — MAR 3-1 SLE (friendly)
  • 2024-03-22 — MAR 1-0 ANG (friendly)
  • 2024-03-26 — MAR 0-0 MTN (friendly)
  • 2024-06-07 — MAR 2-1 ZAM (qualification)
  • 2024-06-11 — MAR 6-0 CGO (qualification)
  • 2025-03-21 — MAR 2-1 NIG (qualification)
  • 2025-03-25 — MAR 2-0 TAN (qualification)
  • 2025-06-06 — MAR 2-0 TUN (friendly)
  • 2025-06-09 — MAR 1-0 BEN (friendly)
  • 2025-09-05 — MAR 5-0 NIG (qualification)
  • 2025-09-08 — ZAM 0-2 MAR (qualification)
  • 2025-10-09 — MAR 1-0 BHR (friendly)
  • 2025-10-14 — MAR 1-0 CGO (qualification)
  • 2025-11-14 — MAR 1-0 MOZ (friendly)
  • 2025-11-18 — MAR 4-0 UGA (friendly)
  • 2026-03-27 — MAR 1-1 ECU (friendly)
  • 2026-03-31 — MAR 2-1 PAR (friendly)
  • 2026-05-26 — MAR 5-0 BDI (friendly)
  • 2026-06-02 — MAR 4-0 MAD (friendly)
  • 2026-06-07 — MAR 1-1 NOR (friendly)
  • 2026-06-13 — BRA 1-1 MAR (friendly)
  • 2026-06-20 — MAR 1-0 SCO (friendly)
  • 2026-06-24 — MAR 4-2 HAI (friendly)
  • 2026-06-29 — NED 1-1 MAR (round_of_32)
  • 2026-07-04 — CAN 0-3 MAR (round_of_16)
  • 2026-07-09 — FRA 2-0 MAR (quarter_final)

View Group C →