Morocco announces 2026 World Cup squad | OneFootball

Morocco national team manager Mohamed Ouahbi has announced his squad for the upcoming World Cup, and there is a surprise omission.

Indeed, experienced forward Youssef En-Nesyri is not part of the 26-man squad traveling to North America this summer. The 28-year-old has scored 25 goals for Morocco across 92 appearances, which included three at this very competition over the 2018 and 2022 editions.

Having become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup last time out in Qatar, Walid Regragui won’t be in charge this time around, being replaced by Ouahbi in March.

Nevertheless, it is still a strong squad heading across the Atlantic. Brahim Díaz will be the attacking fulcrum, especially after his star showing at the Africa Cup of Nations a few months ago (penalty kick notwithstanding). Elsewhere, Achraf Hakimi is one of the finest full-backs in Europe, and he will add plenty of class to the Moroccan backline, while Yassine Bounou will be looking to replicate his heroics from 2022 this summer.

Morocco finds itself in a group with Brazil, Scotland and Haiti (a strong 1998 vibe is going on) and the North Africans will be confident of making it into the knockout stages with ease.

Morocco’s World Cup fixtures

Brazil vs Morocco – Monday, June 13 at 6:00 pm ET / 3:00 pm PTScotland vs Morocco – Friday, June 19 at 6:00 pm ET / 3:00 pm PTMorocco vs Haiti – Wednesday, June 24 at 6:00 pm ET / 3:00 pm PT

The toughest opponents are first up for Morocco, as a clash against Brazil at the MetLife Stadium gives Ouahbi a perfect chance to deliver a statement of intent.

Revenge could be on the cards as the Brazilians prevailed 3-0 at France 98 in what was a one-sided affair.

It will be the Scots who are eyeing up their own revenge story in the second game of the group, following a 3-0 drubbing at the same tournament 28 years ago.

This will be the game that decides who finishes second in the group. If Morocco doesn’t take anything off Brazil in round one, the tension could be palpable in Boston.

Last but not least are Haiti. The Caribbean nation aren’t fancied to do much this summer, but Morocco must avoid complacency, especially should three points be required.

Morocco’s history at the World Cup

Morocco became the second African nation to appear at a World Cup when making their debut in 1970. On that occasion, they finished bottom of their group, failing to win a game.

The Atlas Lions fared much better in 1986, making it to the last 16, before losing 1-0 to eventual finalists West Germany. Group stage exits in 1994, 1998, and 2018 were poor, but in 2022, everything changed.

Morocco finished top of their group to set up a last 16 clash with Spain. A stunning penalty shootout victory moved the Africans into the quarter-finals, where Portugal were dispatched 1-0.

History was made, but the dream ended there. France won 2-0 in the semi-finals. Morocco also lost the third-place playoff to Croatia.

Can history repeat itself in North America? Only time will tell.

Key players to watch out for

Morocco’s chances could rest on Díaz, who will be crucial this summer. He may have registered only 11 goal contributions for Real Madrid during the 2025/26 season, but at international level, Diaz has been incredible of late.

Indeed, 13 goals from just 24 caps since switching allegiances from Spain prove he is Morocco’s key attacking threat. He netted five goals across seven games at the Africa Cup of Nations a few months ago, although he did miss a penalty in the final.

Hakimi is on the cusp of winning another Champions League title with PSG and has amassed 95 caps aged only 27. His experience and class could make the difference for the Atlas Lions.

Teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi of Lille has been included and could be a surprise, while winger Abde Ezzalzouli is another to keep an eye. He played three times in Qatar four years ago.

Morocco squad for the 2026 World Cup

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FInal Brazil rosterFinal Scotland rosterFinal Haiti roster