Morocco at a glance
Morocco compete in Group C with Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. The Atlas Lions are the standout African team at the 2026 World Cup, having reached the World Cup semifinal in 2022 and winning AFCON twice. The clash with Brazil in New York New Jersey is a heavyweight fixture; victories over Scotland and Haiti should secure knockout progression.
Group C fixtures
- Brazil vs Morocco — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (13 June, 22:00 UTC).
- Scotland vs Morocco — Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (19 June, 22:00 UTC).
- Morocco vs Haiti — Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta (24 June, 22:00 UTC).
Key players to watch
- Hakim Ziyech (MID) — Galatasaray playmaker; creativity, set pieces, and directness unlock Morocco's system.
- Achraf Hakimi (DEF) — Real Madrid right-back; elite recovery speed and attacking width define Morocco's right flank.
- Sofyan Amrabat (MID) — Fiorentina midfielder; press resistance and ball retention stabilize Morocco.
- Romain Saïss (MID) — midfielder; experience and leadership guide Morocco's shape.
- Achraf Nouri (DEF) — center-back; command and aerial dominance defend set pieces.
- Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (GK) — Al Wehda keeper; shot-stopping and distribution support Moroccan transitions.
Predicted starting lineups
Official starting lineups will be confirmed closer to kick-off. The XI below reflects the predicted selection based on current form and squad news.
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Morocco squad overview
Goalkeepers: Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, Munir, Bono. Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Achraf Nouri, Romain Saïss, Noussair Mazraoui, Yahia Attayat. Midfielders: Hakim Ziyech, Sofyan Amrabat, Selim Bougatfa, Abdelhamid Sabiri, Yahya Attayat. Forwards: Youssef En-Nesyri, Anass Zaroury, Sofiane Boufal, Zakaria Aboukhlal, Walid Cheddira.
Tournament path
Morocco are Group C favorites against Haiti and capable against Scotland; reaching knockout stages is realistic. A top-two finish draws the Group D runner-up (USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey) in round of 32. Morocco's experience from 2022 semifinal run gives them confidence in knockout football.
Strengths
- Tournament experience — 2022 semifinal run shows Morocco understand knockout pressure.
- Defensive organization — compact shape and set-piece discipline make Morocco difficult to break down.
- Attacking width — Hakimi, Ziyech, and Boufal create constant directness on the flanks.
- African tournament pedigree — AFCON winners with winning culture.
Weaknesses
- Brazil mismatch — Brazil's attacking flair and pace create severe challenges for Morocco's defense.
- Striker consistency — beyond En-Nesyri, Morocco lack elite goal-scoring alternatives.
- Midfielder depth — without Amrabat, Morocco's press resistance drops significantly.
- Counter-attack exposure — when Morocco lose possession, defensive shape can be caught open.
Predictor strategy
Morocco are heavy favorites against Haiti and competitive against Scotland. Brazil clash is a genuine test — expect Morocco to defend compactly and attack on transition. Lock Morocco wins against Haiti and Scotland; Brazil result is volatile. En-Nesyri is a premium goalscorer pick. Ziyech offers set-piece and creative upside.