Morocco Aims for Strong Showing in FIFA World Cup 2026 Amidst Coaching and Controversy

• World Cup previous participations: 6
• Best performance: Fourth place (2022)
• First participation: 1970 (Mexico)
• Top scorer: Youssef En-Nesyri (3)
• Most appearances: Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech (10)
• Player to watch: Brahim Diaz
• FIFA World Ranking: 8

Four years ago, Morocco made history by becoming the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals of the Qatar World Cup. In the process, Morocco eliminated Spain and Portugal but was narrowly defeated by France.

They are hoping to repeat or surpass their sensational performance in 2022 with a strong team in the 2026 edition.

However, the Moroccan team, known as the Atlas Lions, is in a somewhat chaotic situation this time. With less than three months left until the tournament, the dismissal of the coach and the tension from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, which led to a diplomatic dispute with Senegal, have affected the team.

AFCON Hangover

The team is still grappling with the aftermath of one of the most controversial incidents in African football history.

The final match in Rabat in January was goalless. However, in injury time, Morocco was awarded a controversial penalty after a VAR review, leading to Senegalese players protesting and leaving the field, causing chaos.

The penalty decision sparked outrage among Senegalese supporters in the stands. Following the disruption, 18 spectators were sentenced to jail.

After a long delay, Senegal returned to the field. However, Brahim Diaz, the star for Real Madrid and Morocco, missed the penalty with a weak 'Panenka' attempt. Eventually, Senegal won the match 1-0 with a goal in extra time.

But the story didn't end there. In March, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) declared Senegal to have forfeited the match for leaving the field and awarded the title to Morocco. Senegal has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), levelling accusations against CAF and Morocco.

For the Atlas Lions, being declared champions late by officials has not lessened the pain of defeat and the feeling of injustice. This ongoing controversy continues to have a toxic effect on the team.

Regragui Controversy

Coach Walid Regragui, the architect of the successful 2022 campaign, left the team in March.

It appears he ultimately lost his position due to the narrow defeat against Senegal in the home AFCON final and a reported dispute with the country's football federation regarding the team's direction.

His replacement, Mohammed Ouahabi, had led Morocco's Under-20 team to the 2025 Youth World Cup title. The federation stated that this appointment was a strategic decision.

'We want to not waste time and take a different direction,' a source close to the federation told AFP news agency.

However, for the 49-year-old Ouahabi, taking charge of his first senior World Cup in such a bitter situation is an extremely challenging task – especially since he has only coached youth teams in his career.

'I am not here to build, because the foundation is already laid. I am here to continue the performance,' Ouahabi said after his appointment.

It remains to be seen whether the new coach has the authority and strategic acumen to succeed at the highest level. This will be a major test for him.

Diaz Hopes to Forget 'Panenka' Nightmare

Until that missed penalty, the talented forward Brahim Diaz was the best player in the tournament. He won the Golden Boot with five goals, leading Morocco to the final.

This Real Madrid playmaker is fast, agile, and capable of creating something out of nothing. He brings a magical touch to the Moroccan team.

After the AFCON final fiasco, he may be under psychological pressure in this tournament. However, Morocco hopes he will turn that disappointment into an outstanding World Cup performance.

Teenage Star Bouaadi Makes the Squad

While most of the team's players are well-established, 18-year-old exciting midfielder Ayoub Bouaadi from Lille, who represented France at the junior level before choosing Morocco, has made it into the squad.

'The dream has come true, but more importantly, this is the beginning of a new chapter. It will involve more work, rigor, and responsibilities,' Bouaadi wrote on X.

'I am aware of the opportunity to defend this jersey, and I will give my all to represent my country in the best way possible. I also have respect for France. My choice does not diminish the pride and gratitude I feel for having worn that jersey in my youth.'

Perhaps surprisingly, Youssef En-Nesyri, who scored the winning goal against Portugal in the quarter-finals in 2022, has not been included in the squad.

Among other players, Bilal El Khannouss is a creative attacking midfielder with high technical ability. Similarly, Sofyan Amrabat provides a combative energy in defence.

Despite not playing since March due to injury, Marseille defender Nayf Aguerd has been selected for the squad.

Hakimi: World's Best Right-Back

Last season, this PSG right-back helped his club win an historic treble of the Champions League, Ligue 1, and the French Cup, scoring 11 goals and providing 14 assists. He was subsequently named 'CAF African Player of the Year'.

This season has been less fruitful in terms of goals and assists so far. Hakimi is facing tight marking from opponents who aim to neutralize his attacks.

Off-field issues have also overshadowed his season. Earlier this year, it was announced that he would face a rape trial in France. However, Hakimi has denied the charges.

Despite off-field issues and a reduced statistical output this season, considering his defensive prowess, overlapping runs, excellent passing, and goal-scoring ability, he can still be considered one of the best right-backs in the world.

What is Morocco's Group Like?

Morocco faces challenges in Group C, especially in the opening match against Brazil. Although the Brazilian team may not have the intimidating image of previous tournaments, they are still packed with quality players.

However, Morocco will see the match as an opportunity to get a good result and send a strong message to their opponents.

The subsequent matches are comparatively easier. While the improving Scotland cannot be underestimated and Haiti can also cause surprises, Morocco must win both these games to present a strong claim for the title.

Morocco also faced Brazil and Scotland in the 1998 France World Cup. The Atlas Lions put up respectable performances then. They defeated Scotland 3-0, lost to Brazil by the same margin, and drew with Norway. However, they failed to reach the Round of 16, finishing third in the group.

Morocco's Group Stage Matches in the World Cup

• June 13: Morocco vs. Brazil (New Jersey, USA).
• June 19: Morocco vs. Scotland (Boston, USA).
• June 24: Haiti vs. Morocco (Atlanta, Georgia).

Morocco's World Cup Squad:

• Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), Munir Mohamedi (RS Berkane), Ahmed Tagnaouti (Royal Armed Forces).
• Defender: Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven), Youssef Bellamri (Al Ahli), Nayf Aguerd (Marseille), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace), Issa Diop (West Ham United), Redone Halhal (KV Mechelen), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Zakaria El Ouahadi (Genk).
• Midfielder: Samir El Mourabit (Strasbourg), Ayoub Bouaadi (Lille), Nil El Aynaoui (Roma), Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven).
• Forward: Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Chamseddine Talbi (Sunderland), Sofiane Rahimi (Al Ain), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos), Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Yassine Gessime (Strasbourg), Ayoub Aimouni-Hggouabe (Eintracht Frankfurt).