The Atlas Lions are a team accustomed to making history at the tournament following their exploits in 2022. They became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. But can they go one better this time round?
The Group C Picture
Drawn in Group C, Morocco are competing with Brazil, Scotland and tournament debutants Haiti. The Brazil result set the group alight. Scotland edged out Haiti 1-0 in a competitive contest, meaning all four teams have something to play for heading into the second round of fixtures. Scotland are next up for Morocco, with the winner in a great position to qualify for the Round of 32.
A Squad Built for This Moment
Achraf Hakimi, captaining the side from right back, brings elite pedigree as a winner on the biggest stages, having claimed three Champions League trophies across his career. Alongside him, goalkeeper Bono provides a calmness, while Ayyoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui are the double pivot, protecting the backline and keeping the ball moving. In attack, the likes of Brahim Diaz and Bayern Munich-bound Ismael Saibari provide invention and goal threat.
The Management Question
The question mark over Morocco’s preparations was the departure of Walid Regragui, who left the job at the start of March. Regragui was the man who had guided the team to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but he stepped down following the chaos of the AFCON 2025 final, a match Morocco were ultimately awarded by CAF after Senegal’s controversial walk-off, handing the Atlas Lions their first continental title in 50 years. His replacement is Mohamed Ouahbi, who led the Morocco U20 side to the 2025 Youth World Cup title. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is his first time managing at a tournament at senior level. Any doubts about him continuing the work done by his predecessor were answered by a disciplined, energetic and tactically astute performance against Brazil.
How Far Can They Go?
Those who are following the latest World Cup betting will notice that Morocco’s odds to win the tournament have shortened following the Brazil result, but they’re still seen as outsiders. However, what is interesting is that there’s not only a belief they will get out of Group C but that they will reach the latter rounds. And, based on what the Atlas Lions did in 2022 and how they played against Brazil, this all feels fair.
Conclusion
The Atlas Lions weren’t fancied to do well in Qatar four years ago, but they upset the odds and went as far as the semi-finals. In 2026, there are still several question marks, particularly after Morocco were drawn against Brazil, who were one of the pre-tournament contenders. But they managed to upstage Carlo Ancelotti’s team, arguably being the best side on the day. It’s a sign that 2022 was no fluke and that this is a team that can challenge at in the latter stages of the competition.
