Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about Morocco

Get the lowdown onevery team, external at the 2026 World Cup. Here we take a closer look at north African giants Morocco.

What can I expect from Morocco?

The Atlas Lions put Arab football firmly on the map when they became Africa's first World Cup semi-finalists in 2022.

But despite masterminding that success, Walid Regragui is no longer in charge.

Regragui was criticised by supporters for a perceived lack of attacking intent, so expect the incoming Mohamed Ouahbi to take a less cautious approach.

He is likely to set up in a fluid 4-1-4-1 formation, which shifts into a 4-3-3. The emphasis will be on attacking wide areas and getting crosses into the box.

How Ouahbi integrates teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi will also be fascinating – the 18-year-old captained France's under-21 side just a few months ago and his call-up is a statement of intent.

What are Morocco's strengths?

Counter-attacking has been a major weapon in Morocco's armoury over the past few years and that is not expected to change – the speed they possess, particularly on the flanks, can be devastating.

Their squad appears well-balanced and contains a blend of experience and young talent.

They are also strong at set-piece situations.

And what about their weaknesses?

New head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has had very little time to instil his values. However, his predecessor was hired a few months before the 2022 World Cup and they reached the semi-finals.

They often struggle against teams that employ a low block and there are plenty of new faces that are untested at this level.

How might Morocco line up?

Which players should I look out for?

Winger Abde Ezzalzouli will seek to emulate his club form at the World Cup – he scored 15 times in all competitions for Real Betis in 2025-26 and his previous nine games yielded six goals and three assists.

Brahim Diaz is another of those players to reach double figures for Morocco and like Hakimi, he was born in Spain. The Real Madrid forward finished as top scorer at this year's Africa Cup of Nations with five goals but missed a crucial penalty in the final versus Senegal.

Paris St-Germain star Achraf Hakimi is Morocco's most important player. The flying full-back and captain is the reigning African footballer of the year and one of only three players in this squad to score more than 10 international goals.

Who is Morocco's head coach?

Belgium-born Mohamed Ouahbi was thrust into the hot seat in March after World Cup semi-finalist Walid Regragui's departure.

The 49-year-old ex-teacher was deemed the natural successor after he led Morocco to under-20 World Cup success in 2025.

Ouahbi spent more than a decade coaching in Anderlecht's youth sides and he has helped nurture several Belgian internationals, including Jeremy Doku and Youri Tielemans.

How did Morocco qualify?

They eased their way to World Cup finals with eight wins from eight, finishing nine points clear at the top of their group while scoring 22 goals and conceding just two.

Where can I watch Morocco?

All of Morocco's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it!

Give me a fact to impress my friends

Morocco definitely won't need to buy a new trophy cabinet if they win the World Cup this summer...

Their centre-forward Ayoub El Kaabi spent almost six years working as a carpenter before he made it as a professional footballer at the age of 21.

Now give me some proper detail

Morocco have not had things all their own way since that historic showing at the World Cup in Qatar.

In 2022, they topped a group that contained Belgium and Croatia before knocking out Spain and Portugal to become the first African side to reach the last four.

A record run of 19 consecutive victories followed and then earlier this year, they hosted the Africa Cup of Nations.

Success appeared almost inevitable for this groundbreaking team and they reached the final with minimal fuss.

But Morocco fell at the last hurdle to Senegal in a game marred by controversy. Head coach Walid Regragui stepped down in the aftermath and was replaced by Mohamed Ouabhi.

Then, two months later, the title was awarded to Morocco. Senegal appealed that decision and the case now rests with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

But Afcon aside, Morocco continues to make strides towards the top of the sport, encapsulated by the fact that they are set to co-host the 2030 World Cup – the first time that this most global of events has been entrusted to north Africa.

"Morocco have reached another level," said Ouabhi. "We've known that for years."

How have Morocco done at previous World Cups?

Morocco won only two of their 16 World Cup games prior to becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals in 2022.

This is the first time that they have qualified for three successive World Cups.