Hakimi and Brahim Anchor a Squad Built for the Expanded Tournament

Morocco’s squad announcement marks a pivotal moment for African football, with the team aiming to become the first from the continent to reach the World Cup quarterfinals twice in a row. The inclusion of Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) and Brahim (Al-Nassr)—both playing in Europe’s top leagues—underscores the team’s blend of domestic talent and global experience.

The roster features 13 players from Europe’s top five leagues, including Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla), Soufiane Rahimi (Al-Duhail), and Aziz Doukha (Al-Ahli), alongside homegrown stars like Abdelilah Madgeb (Al-Ahly) and Amine Adli (Raja Casablanca).

Key Numbers from Morocco’s Squad

  • 26 players named for the 2026 World Cup.
  • 13 play in Europe’s top five leagues.
  • 7 are under 23 years old, including Brahim and Bilal El Khannouss.
  • 3 clubs (Al-Nassr, Raja Casablanca, Wydad Casablanca) dominate domestic representation.
  • 4 players made their debut in the 2022 World Cup.

Tactical Flexibility: Walid Regragui’s Challenge

Head coach Walid Regragui faces the dual challenge of managing a squad with 11 players from different leagues and adapting to the tournament’s group-stage expansion. Morocco is drawn in Group D, alongside Spain, Costa Rica, and Japan, a group that could test even the most seasoned sides.

Key Numbers from Morocco's Squad
Key Numbers from Morocco's Squad

Regragui has emphasized a 4-3-3 formation in recent friendlies, with Hakimi and Brahim likely to operate as wing-backs, providing both defensive stability and attacking width. The midfield trio of Amine Harit (Al-Ahly), Abdelouahab Amrabat (Al-Duhail), and Abdelilah Madgeb will be crucial in dictating tempo and transitions.

“We have a squad that can play in multiple systems. The key is adaptability—whether it’s a high press against Japan or a disciplined defense against Spain, we must be flexible.”

Injury and Availability: No Major Concerns Entering Camp

Unlike some teams navigating injury crises, Morocco enters the tournament with a fully fit squad. Hakimi and Brahim have both been cleared for full training after minor setbacks in pre-tournament friendlies. The only notable absence is Ziyech (Chelsea), who was left out due to a hamstring strain sustained in April but remains a target for emergency call-ups.

En-Nesyri and Rahimi have been Morocco’s top performers in recent qualifiers, with En-Nesyri scoring 8 goals in 12 appearances since the 2022 World Cup. Their experience will be vital in a tournament where only 16 teams advance past the group stage.

Historical Context: From 2022’s Cinderella Run to 2026’s Ambitions

Morocco’s 2022 World Cup campaign—where it became the first African and Arab nation to reach the knockout stage—served as a catalyst for the nation’s footballing ambitions. The squad’s average age of 26.5 reflects a balance between veterans like Achraf Hakimi (30) and young talents like Brahim (21) and El Khannouss (22).

The team’s journey to the 2026 World Cup included a record 10-0 aggregate victory over Liberia in qualifiers, showcasing its dominance in African football. With the tournament now featuring 16 groups of three teams, Morocco’s path to the knockout stages will require at least 4 points from its first two matches.

What’s Next: Training Camp and Tactical Refinements

Morocco’s squad will begin its final training camp on June 1, 2026, in Marrakech, followed by a friendly against Tunisia on June 8 before departing for the U.S. On June 15. The team will train in Houston, Texas, ahead of its opening match against Costa Rica on November 22, 2026 (local time).

CONVOCATORIA DE MARRUECOS PARA EL MUNDIAL 2026

Fans and analysts will be watching closely for:

  • How Regragui deploys Hakimi and Brahim in the first match.
  • Whether Madgeb and Amrabat can replicate their 2022 form.
  • Morocco’s defensive shape against Spain’s high press.
  • Set-piece strategies, given Morocco’s strength in this area.

Fan Perspective: A Nation United Behind Its Team

In Morocco, the squad announcement has sparked widespread excitement. Social media platforms are ablaze with trending hashtags like #AtlasLions2026 and #MoroccoWorldCup, with fans praising the blend of experience and youth in the team.

Local media has highlighted the record number of players from Morocco’s top clubs, including Raja Casablanca (4 players), Wydad Casablanca (3 players), and Al-Ahly (3 players), reflecting the depth of domestic talent.

Morocco’s 2026 World Cup Squad (Full List)

From Instagram — related to World Cup, Raja Casablanca
Player Club Position Caps
Yassine Bounou Sevilla GK 65
Mohamed El Yamiq Raja Casablanca GK 20
Achraf Hakimi Paris Saint-Germain RB 78
Nayef Aguerd Al-Ahly RB 60
Abdelmajid El Hassouni Al-Duhail CB 30
Khalil Hzini Al-Ahly CB 45
Abdelilah Madgeb Al-Ahly CB 50
Aziz Doukha Al-Ahli CB 35
Amine Adli Raja Casablanca LB 40
Abdelouahab Amrabat Al-Duhail LB 70
Amine Harit Al-Ahly CM 45
Soufiane Rahimi Al-Duhail CM 55
Abdelilah Chaib Al-Duhail CM 25
Bilal El Khannouss Al-Duhail CM 20
Amine Brahim Al-Nassr CM 15
Youssef En-Nesyri Sevilla RW 60
Abdelkebir Saïss Al-Duhail RW 30
Abderrazak Hamdallah Al-Ahly ST 80
Amine Adli Raja Casablanca ST 40
Oussama Idrissi Raja Casablanca ST 35
Abdelhamid Sabiri Al-Ahly ST 50
Abdelilah Madgeb Al-Ahly ST 50
Brahim Darri Raja Casablanca ST 20
Abdelilah Chaib Al-Duhail ST 25

Note: Positions and caps are as of May 26, 2026. Some players may operate in multiple roles.

Key Takeaways

  • Historical Moment: Morocco aims to become the first African team to reach the World Cup quarterfinals twice.
  • Tactical Flexibility: Regragui’s squad can adapt to multiple formations, a must in the expanded tournament.
  • Experience vs. Youth: The balance of Hakimi (30) and Brahim (21) could define Morocco’s campaign.
  • Group Challenge: Spain, Costa Rica, and Japan present a mix of defensive and attacking threats.
  • Domestic Pride: The squad includes a record number of players from Morocco’s top clubs.