Morocco arrive at the 2026 World Cup as one of the most respected sides in the tournament, and certainly no longer a surprise package. The Atlas Lions made history in 2022 as the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semifinal.
Here is their Group C outlook, the players to watch, and whether they can go deep again.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Group | C |
| Opponents | Brazil, Haiti, Scotland |
| Best finish | Semifinals (2022) |
| Star player | Achraf Hakimi |
| Nickname | Atlas Lions |
Table of Contents
Morocco’s 2022 legacy
Morocco’s run to the 2022 semifinals, beating Spain and Portugal along the way, electrified the football world.
It proved the Atlas Lions belong among the elite, and expectations are sky-high in 2026.
They are now widely seen as genuine dark horses for the title.
Group C: Brazil and the rest
Morocco are in Group C with five-time champions Brazil, plus Haiti and Scotland.
The clash with Brazil is one of the standout group-stage fixtures of the entire tournament.
See the full group breakdown in our groups guide.
Achraf Hakimi and key players
Star full-back Achraf Hakimi is Morocco’s talisman, an attacking force who has won major honors at club level.
Around him, the squad blends experience and quality, with names like Youssef En-Nesyri up front and Sofyan Amrabat anchoring the midfield.
This is a deep, well-coached team with a clear identity.
Base camp and preparation
Morocco’s team base camp is in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, training at The Pingry School.
The East Coast base keeps them close to several host venues and their large, passionate diaspora support.
Expect Moroccan fans to turn matches into home games.
Can Morocco roar again?
With their talent and tournament pedigree, a deep run is realistic, though Group C offers no easy games.
Navigating past Brazil and into the knockout rounds would set up another exciting campaign.
Track their progress via our standings guide and predictions guide.
Why Morocco are genuine dark horses
Morocco are not hoping to surprise people anymore; they are expected to compete.
Their 2022 run was built on elite organization, a world-class defense and lightning counterattacks, and that blueprint still holds.
With Hakimi driving forward and a deep, experienced squad, few teams will want to face them in the knockout rounds.
The 12th man: Moroccan support
One of Morocco’s biggest weapons is its travelling support, which turns neutral venues into home games.
Expect waves of red-and-green flags and deafening noise at every match, a genuine on-field advantage.
That passionate backing helped fuel the 2022 fairy tale and could do so again.
Related World Cup 2026 guides
More World Cup 2026 coverage:
Frequently asked questions
What group is Morocco in at the World Cup 2026?
Group C, alongside Brazil, Haiti and Scotland.
How far did Morocco go in 2022?
Morocco reached the semifinals, the first African and Arab nation to do so.
Who is Morocco’s star player?
Achraf Hakimi, the attacking full-back, is the team’s talisman.
Where is Morocco’s World Cup base camp?
In Basking Ridge, New Jersey, training at The Pingry School.
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