Morocco FIFA World Cup 2026 preview – Player to watch out for, tactics, predicted XI

Unlike in previous editions, Morocco has a reputation to uphold at the 2026 Football World Cup.

The Atlas Lions are undoubtedly enjoying their golden era. After becoming the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, Morocco won the AFCON title in 2025, albeit under controversial circumstances.

In a high-tension continental final, Morocco were trumped by Senegal, but were retroactively awarded the title by the Confederation of African Football disciplinary committee.

Meanwhile, Morocco have had a perfect qualifying campaign, winning all eight group matches to secure their place in the World Cup.

Much of Morocco’s success has been down to its steely defensive compactness – the side have conceded just two goals each in the World Cup qualifiers and AFCON 2025.

Leading the Moroccan defense will be Achraf Hakimi, arguably the best right-back in world football right now. He is feeling very confident after recently winning his second consecutive Champions League title with PSG.

Marseille centre-back Nayef Aguerd and Manchester United full-back Noussair Mazraoui add a European background to the Moroccan backline that looks difficult to break.

What further increases the solidity is the presence of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who had a memorable performance between the posts in 2022.

On the attacking front, it’s safe to assume that Moroccan initiatives will be channeled primarily through light-footed Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz.

The 26-year-old was Morocco’s driving force in the AFCON season, scoring five of his side’s nine goals in the tournament.

Diaz will operate behind striker Ayoub El Kaabi, who scored the goals at Greek Olympiacos.

With Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss and Ayyoub Bouaddi, Morocco also has a group of promising midfielders waiting for a breakthrough.

With the quality showing in almost all positions, it wouldn’t be unfair to expect Morocco to score deep again at the World Cup.

But for that to happen, Morocco will have to get off to a flying start as they take on heavyweight Brazil in the opening match of Group C on June 14.

Player to watch out for

Ashraf Hakimi: In recent years, Hakimi has run up and down the right flank for both Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain, earning the claim of being one of the best full-backs of this era.

At the World Cup, Morocco will rely heavily on the 27-year-old’s rapid pace, both in attack and defense. Much of Morocco’s chance creation will depend on Hakimi’s link-up play, especially with Diaz on the right wing.

COACH

Despite guiding Morocco through a triumphant era, Walid Regragui resigned as the side’s head coach just months before the World Cup, blaming the intense pressure that came with the job.

Regragui was replaced by Mohamed Ouahabi, who led Morocco to the Under-20 World Cup crown in 2025. This will be Ouahabi’s first major assignment at senior level as he looks to cope with the pressure of expectations.

GROUP C EXAMPLE

Brazil – READ

Scotland – READ

Haiti – READ

TEAM

• Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, Reda Tagnaouti.

• Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Anass Salah-Eddine, Youssef Belammari, Achraf Hakimi, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Nayef Aguerd, Chadi Riad, Redouane Halhal, Issa Diop.

• Midfielders: Samir El Mourabet, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss, Ismael Saibari.

• Forwards: Abde Ezzalzouli, Chemsdine Talbi, Soufiane Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi, Brahim Diaz, Gessime Yassine, Ayoube Amaimouni.

Published on June 5, 2026