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Group C Fixtures

Morocco are drawn in a fascinating Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. The opening match against Brazil at the MetLife Stadium on 13 June is the defining game for both teams’ ambitions. Morocco’s superior quality over Scotland and Haiti makes them favourites for second place, with an upset against Brazil not beyond them given their recent pedigree.

All times Eastern (ET). Under the expanded 48-team format, the top two in each group qualify automatically; the best eight third-placed teams also advance to the Round of 32.

Manager: Mohamed Ouahbi

Mohamed Ouahbi was promoted to the senior role in March 2026 after leading Morocco’s U-20 side to a World Cup title in 2025. He replaced Walid Regragui, whose contract was not renewed following the AFCON final defeat. Ouahbi had been part of the Atlas Lions’ coaching structure and brings a clear tactical philosophy developed through the youth setup.

His senior side lines up primarily in a 4-2-3-1, shifting into a 4-1-4-1 depending on the game state. The approach centres on an organised mid-block, selective high pressing and rapid transitions through Hakimi and the wide players — fast, vertical football rather than possession-based build-up. Defensive structure and set-piece threat are core strengths; the main challenge is creating against compact low blocks.

Key Players to Watch

Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) — The captain and Morocco’s most important player. An elite two-way full-back who provides the main source of attacking progression from the right. Hakimi led Morocco’s qualifying campaign in assists and remains the X-factor. His combination of pace, crossing and defensive positioning makes him one of the best full-backs at the tournament.

Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid) — The creative hub between the lines. Díaz arrives off a stellar tournament at the 2025 Youth World Cup and is Morocco’s primary ball-carrier and dribbling threat in central zones. His movement and technical quality give Morocco a different dimension in tight spaces.

Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos) — Morocco’s top scorer in African qualifying with four goals. A powerful penalty-box finisher and set-piece target who provides the physical presence in the final third. El Kaabi’s ability to finish with both feet makes him dangerous from crosses and cut-backs alike.

Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis) — The defensive midfielder who screens the back four, anchors Morocco’s press and initiates transitions. His positional discipline and reading of the game are crucial to covering Hakimi’s frequent forward runs.

Notable absentees from the famous 2022 semi-final generation include Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri and Sofiane Boufal — all left out by Ouahbi as he shapes the squad around a new generation.

Full 26-Man Squad

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

World Cup History

The 2026 tournament is Morocco’s seventh World Cup appearance, following campaigns in 1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018 and the unforgettable 2022 edition. Their best ever finish was fourth place in Qatar 2022, making Morocco the first African and first Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final — one of the tournament’s greatest achievements.

The 2022 run captured the world’s attention: Morocco topped a group containing Croatia and Belgium, beat Spain on penalties in the last 16, eliminated Portugal 1-0 in the quarter-finals and only fell to France 2-0 in the semi-finals. They finished fourth after losing the third-place playoff to Croatia. That campaign is the benchmark Ouahbi’s side is judged against in 2026.

Form and Betting Odds

Morocco enter the tournament in outstanding form. In CAF qualifying for 2026, they went eight wins from eight — scoring 22 and conceding just two across Group E. That defensive record underlines their status as Africa’s top-ranked side. A run of friendlies from December 2025 to early 2026 showed continued solidity, with wins over Saudi Arabia, UAE, Syria, Jordan and Zambia.

Opta’s model gives Morocco an 88.79% chance of reaching the knockout stage from Group C. Betting markets price them at around 10/3 to win Group C, with Brazil as clear favourites but Morocco as strong second-placed candidates. Scotland represent their main rival for second, while Haiti are expected to lose all three matches.

In outright markets, Morocco are rated as Africa’s best hope for a deep run — ahead of Senegal, Ghana and DR Congo in the betting — reflecting the scale of their 2022 achievement and continued form since.

For full Morocco match betting tips and odds, visit our World Cup 2026 Betting Tips page and compare odds at the best betting sites in Nigeria.