PSV Eindhoven maestro Ismael Saibari is primed to be the creative heartbeat for Morocco at the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Coach: Mohamed Ouahbi
Captain: Achraf Hakimi
Key player: Ismael Saibari
All-time scorer: Ahmed Faras (36 goals)
Best ranking: Seventh in 2026
Worst ranking: 95th in 2010
Current world ranking: Seventh
Fifa World Cup appearances: 1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022 and 2026
Fifa World Cup best finish: Semi-finalists
Four years after capturing the hearts of millions by shattering the glass ceiling with their historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar, the Atlas Lions are back on football’s grandest stage.
Morocco arrive at the 2026 Fifa World Cup no longer as a plucky underdog, but as a respected heavyweight with the pedigree, talent and expectation to make another deep tournament run. Under the tactical guidance of manager Mohamed Ouahbi, the squad features a potent mix of seasoned veterans from that magical 2022 campaign alongside dynamic new blood ready to make their mark on the global stage.
The addition of Real Madrid's Brahim Díaz adds an exceptional creative spark in the final third, perfectly complementing a rock-solid defence anchored by veteran goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and Paris Saint-Germain’s double Uefa Champions League winner Achraf Hakimi.
Drawn into a highly competitive Group C alongside five-time champions Brazil, a rugged Scotland side and an unpredictable Haiti, Morocco's path to the knockout rounds will demand immense tactical discipline.
However, their recent 1-1 warm-up draw against Norway proved they have the rhythm, resilience and technical ability to handle physical opposition, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling World Cup campaign.
v Brazil: New Jersey, 13 June
v Scotland: Boston, 19 June
v Haiti: Atlanta, 24 June