JäPS II · Suomen Cup · Midfielder · #39 · Finland · 0 yrs
The task of filling the huge vacancy left by Mohamed Salah will be right at the top of Andoni Iraola's tasks when he settles behind his desk at Liverpool. RB Leipzig's 19-year-old Yan Diomande has been the name on the lips of many as the target to take the place of the 'Egyptian king'. Hs is one of Europe's hottest properties and showed exactly why Liverpool are being heavily touted - along with back-t0-back Champions League winners Paris St-Germain - as his next destination with a man-of-the-match performance rich in promise in Ivory Coast's 1-0 victory over Ecuador.
Full preview of Morocco for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Morocco enters the 2026 tournament carrying massive expectations following their historic fourth-place finish four years ago. Currently ranked eighth in the world, the Atlas Lions are no longer a surprise package. They are now a genuine heavyweight on the international stage. Despite a shocking coaching change just three months before the competition, the roster remains loaded with elite talent. Many squad members compete at the highest levels of European club soccer. This World Cup 2026 team preview breaks down how the North African side plans to navigate Group C. We will highlight our Morocco tactical analysis, the impact of their new coach, and the Morocco key players who will define their summer. The pressure is firmly on to maintain their reputation as a global soccer power. Team profile CoachMohamed OuahbiCaptainAchraf HakimiNicknameThe Atlas LionsFIFA ranking8thConfederationCAFGroupGroup CBest World Cup resultFourth Place (2022)World Cup appearances7Last World Cup appearance2022 How Morocco play Morocco has evolved significantly since their defensive masterclass in 2022. They have transformed into a dominant, possession-based side. The preferred Morocco formation allows the team to dictate the tempo and break down low blocks effectively. During their recent qualification matches, the Atlas Lions averaged an impressive 5.9 shots on target per game. This highlights their newfound attacking intent. Striker Ayoub El Kaabi capitalized on this elite service, averaging 1.69 goals every 90 minutes during the continental qualifiers. Defensively, they remain resolute. The team utilizes a suffocating high press that limits opponent opportunities. However, the sudden managerial transition introduces some tactical uncertainty. Opponents might look to exploit any disorganization during defensive transitions. Ultimately, their ability to balance an aggressive attacking style with traditional defensive solidity will determine their tournament fate. Mohamed Ouahbi: The coach behind Morocco Mohamed Ouahbi takes charge of the national team just three months before the tournament begins. He replaces the highly successful Walid Regragui. Ouahbi steps into the spotlight after leading the under-20 side to a global championship in Chile last October. Morocco coach coach Mohamed Ouahbi (R) speaks to the media (Getty Images). The 49-year-old built his coaching foundation in Belgium. He worked his way up through youth academies at Maccabi Brussels and Anderlecht before joining the federation as a Morocco coach. He inherits a golden generation of players and a fully functioning locker room. While his tactical acumen is highly regarded, managing the intense media scrutiny of a senior international squad is difficult. Ouahbi’s ability to quickly implement his vision under immense pressure could define his team’s summer campaign. Key player: Achraf Hakimi Achraf Hakimi is the driving force for the Atlas Lions. He serves as team captain and their most dangerous wide threat. The Paris Saint-Germain defender brings elite pedigree to the squad, having won league titles in France and Italy. With 95 caps and 11 international goals, the 27-year-old right-back offers a complete athletic profile. His background as a winger allows him to provide dynamic, overlapping runs. These runs consistently overload opposing defenses down the right flank. Hakimi’s stamina, precise crossing, and defensive composure make him irreplaceable. If he were to suffer an injury, the team would lose its primary creative outlet and most experienced leader. Morocco’s road to the 2026 World Cup The Atlas Lions dominated their continental qualification group. They finished with a perfect record of eight wins from eight matches. Morocco became the first African nation to secure a spot in North America. They clinched qualification in September 2025 with a command
In Morocco's most recent friendly match, Abde Ezzalzouli had to be substituted due to an injury. A few hours later, the 24-year-old star was reportedly diagnosed with a sprain of the medial collateral ligament. As a result, he is expected to miss the 2026 World Cup. Morocco have managed to become one of the best national teams in Africa, building a promising roster. However, Abde Ezzalzouli had to be substituted in the previous match against Norway, raising concerns among everyone. A few hours later, the 24-year-old star was reportedly diagnosed with a sprain of the internal knee ligament, leading to expectations that he will miss the 2026 World Cup. According to Hanif Ben Berkane, a well-known journalist from Morocco, Abde has been diagnosed with a sprain of the internal knee ligament. With a recovery timeline of 3–4 weeks, he is expected to miss the 2026 World Cup. As the national team’s most decisive player, his absence is a huge blow to their competitiveness in the tournament. Without the presence of Abde Ezzalzouli, most of Morocco’s attacking responsibilities would fall to Brahim Diaz. Although he does not possess the same change of pace, the 26-year-old star has proven capable of orchestrating the entire national team attack. Not only does he create opportunities for his teammates, but he also leads the team in terms of goal scoring. Facing Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in the 2026 World Cup, Abde’s absence could seriously limit Morocco’s chances. Without his change of pace and dribbling ability, they could struggle to impose their dominant style of play. Beyond his statistical contribution, the 24-year-old was a leader at the collective level, meaning his impact will be felt across the team, not just in the attacking phase. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli of Morocco is challenged by Gustavo Gomez of Paraguay. Morocco’s instability could take its toll at the 2026 World Cup Throughout the past few years, Morocco have managed to become one of the best national teams in the world. Not only did they impress at the 2022 World Cup, but they also won the Africa Cup of Nations, by decision of the Federation. However, the departure of Walid Regragui as head coach noticeably destabilized the sporting project. In addition, Abde Ezzalzouli’s injury could be the final blow to their hopes of shining at the 2026 edition. Without having the same key figures from their stellar project, the Atlas Lions now leave more doubts than certainties. Despite being among the favorites to surprise once again at the 2026 World Cup, they have undergone major changes within the national team that have halted their sporting rise. In addition, Soufiane Rahimi needs to step up to replace Abde, something far from simple given that he is one of the best wingers in Europe. Alongside Abde, Noussair Mazraoui could miss Morocco’s debut in the anticipated tournament against Brazil. Suffering from a shoulder subluxation, Youssef Belammari would take over the starting role, further weakening the left side. Because of this, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi faces the challenge of restoring competitiveness to a national team that has been heavily affected by injuries and changes within the coaching staff.
Fulham owner Shahid Khan has promised fans the club will look to appoint a new manager "in a timely but deliberate manner", following the announcement of Marco Silva's departure. The billionaire promised to take the Cottagers to "the next level" after purchasing the club from Mohamed Al Fayed in purchasing the club from Mohamed Al Fayed in July 2013. After a few seasons bouncing between the Premier League and the Championship, the club has sustained its top-flight status since promotion in 2021-22 under Silva.
