Morocco World Cup 2026 Squad: Full 26-Man Roster, Atlas Lions Return After Historic 2022 Semi-Final

Walid Regragui’s Morocco squad was confirmed on May 21, 2026, as the Atlas Lions return to the World Cup carrying the weight and confidence of their historic 2022 semi-final run. Morocco enters Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland — a group that presents both the tournament’s toughest opening match (Brazil) and genuine knockout-stage opportunity.

Last updated: May 21, 2026.

Full 26-man squad

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

Key inclusions

Achraf Hakimi captains Morocco at his third World Cup at age 27. The PSG right-back is among the world’s best in his position — his attacking output, set-piece delivery, and big-match temperament defined Morocco’s 2022 run and remain central to the team’s tactical identity.

Brahim Diaz enters his first World Cup since switching international allegiance from Spain to Morocco in 2024. The Real Madrid forward has become Morocco’s most technically gifted attacker, providing the creative link between midfield and the central strikers that the 2022 team sometimes lacked.

Bilal El Khannouss (22) has developed into one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders at VfB Stuttgart. His progressive passing and composure under pressure add a new dimension to Morocco’s midfield — the ability to control possession that supplements the counter-attacking identity of 2022.

Eliesse Ben Seghir (21) earned his first World Cup call-up after a breakthrough season at Bayer Leverkusen. The young forward’s versatility across the front line and clinical finishing provide attacking depth behind En-Nesyri and El Kaabi.

Notable omissions

Sofiane Boufal (32, Union Saint-Gilloise) — the dribbling hero of Morocco’s 2022 campaign — missed the final cut after a reduced club role in Belgium. Amine Harit (Marseille) was on the preliminary list but excluded due to inconsistent form. Abderrazak Hamdallah (35, Al Shabab) was also omitted as Regragui prioritized younger forward options.

Adam Masina (free agent) was left out in defense, and Faycal Fajr (37, Al Taawoun) was not selected — both veterans of the 2022 squad whose international careers now appear closed.

Tactical outlook

Morocco plays a 4-3-3 that made history in 2022 through defensive organization, midfield industry, and lightning counter-attacks — a template Regragui has evolved rather than replaced. The back four, anchored by Aguerd and Saiss, remains among the most defensively disciplined units in international football, protected by Amrabat’s positional discipline in the holding midfield role.

The 2026 evolution is in possession. El Khannouss and El Aynaoui provide progressive passing options that allow Morocco to control matches against weaker opponents — a capability the 2022 team lacked, forcing them to grind out results against opponents they were expected to dominate.

The attack is built around Hakimi’s overlapping runs from right-back and Brahim Diaz’s creative freedom from the right wing, with En-Nesyri or El Kaabi providing aerial threat and penalty-box finishing. Morocco’s attacking identity remains transitional — they are at their most dangerous when opponents commit numbers forward and leave space for Diaz, Ezzalzouli, and Ben Seghir to exploit.

The 2022 semi-final run proved the system works against elite opponents. The 2026 question is whether an evolved, more possession-capable Morocco can replicate that knockout magic when Brazil presents the ultimate group-stage test.

Group C outlook

Morocco faces a group defined by extremes — the tournament’s deepest squad (Brazil) and two of its biggest underdogs:

• vs Brazil (East Rutherford, June 13) — The tournament’s most anticipated group-stage mismatch on paper. Morocco’s defensive organization against Brazil’s attacking depth is the defining tactical test. A draw would be a statement result that echoes the 2022 Belgium victory.
• vs Haiti (Boston, June 19) — Haiti’s World Cup debut. Morocco should control this match and must win it — the type of fixture where El Khannouss’s possession quality and En-Nesyri’s aerial dominance should decide the result.
• vs Scotland (East Rutherford, June 25) — Scotland’s physical, direct approach presents a contrasting challenge. Morocco’s defensive organization against Robertson’s crossing and Scotland’s set-piece threat will determine whether this is a comfortable win or a grinding contest.

Second place behind Brazil is the target. If Morocco can take a point from Brazil — a big ask — group victory becomes possible. Even with a loss to Brazil, wins against Haiti and Scotland should secure a Round of 32 berth. Morocco’s tournament experience and knockout pedigree make them dangerous if they advance.

Fan planning links

• Group C full analysis
• East Rutherford host city guide
• Boston host city guide
• How to watch legally
• Squad tracker — all 48 teams

Sources checked

• FRMF (Royal Moroccan Football Federation) official squad announcement
• Yahoo Sports / Goal.com Morocco squad projections
• SI.com Morocco World Cup preview
• FIFA official team profile