Morocco World Cup 2026 preview: Players to watch, group and squad list
Previous World Cup appearances: 6 Best performance: Fourth place (2022) First appearance: 1970 (Mexico) Top goal scorer: Youssef En-Nesyri (3) Most appearances: Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech (10) Playe…
Previous World Cup appearances: 6 Best performance: Fourth place (2022) First appearance: 1970 (Mexico) Top goal scorer: Youssef En-Nesyri (3) Most ap
Read Full Story at Al Jazeera →Why This Matters
Morocco’s rise as a football powerhouse in recent years reflects a broader shift in global soccer dynamics, where African teams are increasingly challenging traditional European and South American dominance. With a talented generation of players and a tactical sophistication that stunned past World Cup opponents, their 2026 campaign could redefine African football’s ceiling and inspire a new wave of talent on the continent.
Background Context
Morocco’s fourth-place finish in Qatar 2022 marked a historic milestone, making them the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semifinals. Their success stems from a mix of diaspora talent—like Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech—and a disciplined, possession-based style under coach Walid Regragui, who blends European coaching principles with African flair.
What Happens Next
The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., will test Morocco’s ability to replicate their 2022 heroics against deeper squads. With a potentially stronger squad and home advantage in North America, expectations are high—but injuries or tactical adjustments could derail their ambitions before the knockout stages.
Bigger Picture
Morocco’s trajectory mirrors Africa’s growing influence in global football, where clubs like Wydad Casablanca and Al Ahly are becoming European powerhouses’ direct competitors. Their World Cup performance could accelerate investment in African academies and further blur the lines between continents in elite football.
