MOROCCO WORLD CUP 2026 SQUAD GUIDE
Morocco's stunning run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals changed African football forever. Now, with the 2026 tournament expanding to 48 teams and moving to North America, the Atlas Lions face a critical moment: can they build on that foundation or will key departures and emerging rivals leave them behind?
According to The Guardian's comprehensive squad guide, Morocco enters 2026 with a distinctly different challenge than they faced in Qatar. Then, they were underdogs with everything to prove. Now, they carry expectation. Achraf Hakimi remains world-class at left-back, Sofyan Amrabat's stock has risen through his moves across Europe, and their attacking options have matured. But the squad is aging in critical positions, and the summer transfer window will determine whether they strengthen or stagnate.
The real narrative here is depth. Morocco's starting XI is competitive—genuinely competitive. But the bench that takes them through a 48-team tournament? That's where questions emerge. Central defense has vulnerabilities. Goalkeeper options beyond Bono are thin. And while their midfield creativity is real, injuries to key players like Amrabat or Hakim Ziyech would expose serious gaps. The Guardian's analysis suggests that while their experience is valuable, it could also become a liability if younger players aren't integrated properly.
Regionally, Morocco faces intense pressure. Tunisia, Senegal, and Cameroon are strengthening. Domestically, keeping ambitious players focused during a potentially turbulent season—with new league dynamics and European club obligations—adds complexity. Walid Regragui's job isn't just tactical; it's about managing ego, expectations, and preventing the semifinal hangover that's historically crushed African teams.
The 2026 format actually favors Morocco. More spots mean easier qualification, but also more rounds to navigate. Three group matches, then knockout football. No room for slow starts. Their experience matters enormously here—but only if the squad stays hungry rather than complacent.
What matters most over the next 12 months: which young talents break through, whether Hakimi can stay injury-free at 28, and whether Regragui can convince aging stars that 2026 is genuinely their last realistic shot at glory. That's the real World Cup story.