The Morocco World Cup 2026 squad is a finalized roster of 26 players, led by captain Achraf Hakimi and head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who will aim to build on the historic fourth-place finish from 2022 at this tournament’s first-ever 48-team format. The Atlas Lions have been confirmed for Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, with all three of their group stage matches taking place in the United States.
Key Takeaways
- The Morocco World Cup 2026 squad was officially announced by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi on May 26, 2026.
- Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will captain the Atlas Lions for their first group stage match against Brazil.
- Coach Ouahbi took over from Walid Regragui just three months before the tournament after leading Morocco to the 2025 U-20 World Cup title.
- Nine players from Morocco’s historic 2022 semifinal squad return, including Yassine Bounou and Sofyan Amrabat.
- The Atlas Lions will play all three group stage matches in the United States against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.
Who Is Leading the Morocco World Cup 2026 Squad?
Mohamed Ouahbi serves as the head coach and manager for the Atlas Lions heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This tournament marks a significant transition in Moroccan football, as Ouahbi takes over from Walid Regragui, who resigned on March 5, 2026, just three months before the tournament began. Regragui is widely credited with guiding Morocco to its historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup, becoming the first African and Arab nation ever to reach a World Cup semifinal.
Ouahbi’s appointment comes after a highly successful stint leading the Morocco Under-20 team. He was promoted from the youth setup after guiding the U-20 squad to the 2025 U-20 World Cup title, where they defeated Argentina 2-0 in the final. The transition of power at the helm is one of the defining narratives of this tournament for Morocco, as Ouahbi must now manage the immense expectations of a nation that has tasted deep World Cup success under his predecessor.
What Are the Latest Injury Updates for Key Players?
As the tournament approaches, the Morocco World Cup 2026 squad has remained relatively healthy ahead of their opening match. The coaching staff under Mohamed Ouahbi has managed the physical demands of a packed club season for many of the players based in Europe and the Middle East. There are no major injury concerns reported that would jeopardize the availability of key figures like captain Achraf Hakimi or goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The team’s preparation has focused on tactical adjustments to suit Ouahbi’s vision, which differs slightly from Regragui’s approach. The integration of new players alongside the returning veterans requires careful management to ensure peak physical condition by the time they face Brazil in their group opener. The medical and fitness staff are monitoring every player closely as they prepare for a grueling tournament schedule.
What Is the Full Roster of the Morocco World Cup 2026 Team?
The final confirmed roster consists of exactly 26 players, as Ouahbi named his squad on May 26, 2026. The coach has opted for a balanced mix of experienced international veterans and dynamic young talents who have been performing at the highest level in European leagues. Nine players from Morocco’s historic 2022 World Cup squad return to represent their country again, providing crucial continuity and leadership.
Notably, Ouahbi has made some bold choices regarding his forward line, leaving out two of the most prominent figures from the 2022 run. Youssef En-Nesyri and Sofiane Boufal, both heroes of Morocco’s historic semifinal journey, were omitted from the final 26-man roster. This omission signals Ouahbi’s intent to reshape the team’s attacking dynamics, relying instead on a different set of threats in the final third.
Goalkeepers
- Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal)
- Munir Mohamedi (RS Berkane)
- Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (AS FAR)
Defenders
- Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) – captain
- Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United)
- Nayef Aguerd (Marseille)
- Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace)
- Issa Diop (Fulham)
- Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV)
- Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk)
- Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly)
- Redouane Halhal (KV Mechelen)
Midfielders
- Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis)
- Azzedine Ounahi (Girona)
- Bilal El Khannouss (VfB Stuttgart)
- Ismael Saibari (PSV)
- Neil El Aynaoui (Roma)
- Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg)
- Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille)
Forwards
- Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid)
- Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos)
- Abde Ezzalzouli (Real Betis)
- Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain)
- Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland)
- Yassine Gessime (Strasbourg)
- Ayoub Amaimouni (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Squad Composition Breakdown
| Categorization | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Roster Size | 26 players |
| Returning from 2022 World Cup | 9 players |
| Head Coach | Mohamed Ouahbi |
| Captain | Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) |
| Notable Omissions | Youssef En-Nesyri, Sofiane Boufal |
Where Will Morocco Play Their Group C Matches?
Morocco is drawn in a highly competitive Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. The group presents a formidable challenge for the Atlas Lions, as they face South American giants in Brazil, European opposition in Scotland, and a Caribbean side in Haiti. However, Morocco faces a significant logistical hurdle: they are not among the host nations.
All three of their group stage matches will be played in the United States at neutral venues, meaning Morocco has no home advantage on any of these games. Morocco’s campaign kicks off on Saturday, June 13, 2026, against Brazil at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This opening match will serve as a major test for Ouahbi’s side, pitting them against the South American powerhouse right out of the gate.
Following the opener against Brazil, Morocco’s next two group games are scheduled to take place at different venues across the eastern United States. On Friday, June 19, 2026, they will face Scotland at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The final group stage match is set for Wednesday, June 24, 2026, against Haiti at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The shift between these three major metropolitan areas will require careful travel management from the coaching staff to ensure the players remain physically and mentally sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the captain of the Morocco World Cup 2026 squad?
Achraf Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, will captain the Atlas Lions. Widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, Hakimi’s leadership and experience make him the natural choice to lead the team on the pitch.
When was the Morocco World Cup 2026 squad officially announced?
The final roster of 26 players was officially named by head coach Mohamed Ouahbi on May 26, 2026. The squad is complete and there are no open replacement spots available.
Who is the head coach of the Morocco World Cup 2026 team?
Mohamed Ouahbi is the current head coach. He took over from Walid Regragui, who resigned on March 5, 2026. Ouahbi was promoted after leading Morocco to the 2025 U-20 World Cup title.
Which players from the 2022 squad return for the Morocco World Cup 2026 roster?
Nine players from Morocco’s historic 2022 semifinal squad return to represent their country again. Key returning figures include captain Achraf Hakimi, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, and midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
