Morocco 2026 World Cup preview: Squad breakdown, key player, and tactical analysis
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