Morocco head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup aiming to replicate or surpass their stunning run to the semi-finals in 2022, where they became the first African and Arab team to reach that stage. The Atlas Lions, ranked 8th in the world, are drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.

However, the team arrives in the United States amid significant turmoil. In January, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat descended into chaos when Senegal walked off the pitch after a contentious stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco via VAR. CAF later stripped Senegal of the title and awarded it to Morocco, sparking a diplomatic row and an appeal by Senegal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Head coach Walid Regragui, who masterminded the 2022 success, left in March reportedly due to fallout from the AFCON final and disagreements with the federation. He was replaced by Mohamed Ouahbi, who previously coached only youth teams, including Morocco's Under-20 side to a World Cup title. Ouahbi faces a baptism of fire at the senior level.

Key player Brahim Diaz, the Real Madrid playmaker, was the tournament's best player before missing a panenka penalty in the AFCON final. He will be crucial alongside right-back Achraf Hakimi, who is under scrutiny off the pitch due to rape allegations he denies. Midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and defender Nayef Aguerd (despite injury) add experience. Notable absentees include striker Youssef En-Nesyri, hero of 2022.

Morocco open against Brazil on June 13, followed by Scotland and Haiti. While the group is manageable, an inexperienced coach and lingering squad tensions may prevent them from matching their 2022 exploits. The team's best previous World Cup performance before 2022 was a group-stage exit in 1998, where they beat Scotland but lost to Brazil.

Source: www.aljazeera.com