Morocco announces 2026 World Cup preparation schedule
Semi-finalists at the previous edition, Morocco enter the 2026 World Cup with high ambitions, but also a clear need to build cohesion following the appointment of Mohamed Ouahbi as head coach in March, replacing Walid Regragui. The new leader of the Atlas Lions began his tenure with a 1–1 draw against Ecuador and a 2–1 victory over Paraguay in March, and is now aiming to increase testing opportunities ahead of the global tournament in the United States. In this context, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has confirmed three friendly matches as part of the preparation phase.
Three friendlies scheduled before the World Cup
The reigning AFCON champions will kick off their preparation with a behind-closed-doors match against Burundi on May 26 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, a fixture previously reported by Afrik-Foot. They will then play their final home farewell match against another African side, Madagascar, on June 2 at the Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat.
Once in the United States—where their base camp will be in Basking Ridge, New Jersey—the Atlas Lions will conclude their preparations with a high-profile friendly against Norway and superstar Erling Haaland on June 7 at the Red Bull Arena in New York.
According to Foot Mercato, an initial training camp with an expanded squad will take place in Morocco from May 22 to 25, ahead of the Burundi match. The same source reports that Mohamed Ouahbi is expected to announce his final World Cup 2026 squad on May 29.
Drawn in Group C of the tournament, Morocco will face Brazil on June 14 in New York, Scotland on June 20 in Boston, and Haiti on June 25 in Atlanta.
U17 AFCON Morocco 2026: Kick-off time, TV Channel and opening fixtures
Morocco vs Tunisia: Time and Broadcast Details
The tournament opener between Morocco and Tunisia will take place at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
- Kick-off time: 8:00 PM (Morocco and Tunisia local time)
- Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat
- Live broadcast: CAF TV on YouTube
The match is expected to attract major attention as two North African rivals face off to launch one of Africa’s biggest youth football competitions.
Opening Match Schedule
Morocco Looking to Defend Their Crown
Morocco enters the competition as the defending champion after winning the previous edition on home soil. The Atlas Cubs are once again among the favorites and will look to capitalize on home support to retain the continental title.
Beyond the trophy race, the tournament will also serve as a major showcase for the next generation of African football talent, with scouts and fans closely following the continent’s brightest young prospects throughout the competition.
Morocco U17 AFCON 2026: Full schedule as africa’s rising stars prepare for Kick-Off
Morocco pioneers artificial intelligence in football with FRMF–Google Gemini partnership
Through this agreement, FRMF aims to integrate advanced artificial intelligence technologies into the management, communication, and global promotion of the national team, the Atlas Lions. The initiative is designed to enhance team visibility, strengthen engagement with supporters, and showcase Moroccan football talent on both national and international stages. It also reflects Morocco’s broader ambition to position itself as a leading nation in sports innovation and digital transformation in Africa.
Enhancing the fan experience through digital innovation
At the heart of this partnership, Google Gemini will enable a range of interactive digital experiences for Moroccan football fans.
Key features include: AI-generated visual supporter content and motivational graphics; Music creation tools using the Lyria model for fan anthems; Simplified football explanations for broader audience accessibility; Performance analysis tools for teams and players; Predictive match insights and fan engagement features. These tools are designed to deepen the connection between supporters and the national team, both in Morocco and abroad.
A vision aligned with Morocco’s sports development strategy
The FRMF continues to invest heavily in modernizing its football ecosystem, combining sporting performance with technological innovation. The partnership with Google Gemini reinforces Morocco’s commitment to building a future-oriented sports model that blends tradition, performance, and digital advancement.
Strengthening Morocco’s global football identity
This initiative further elevates the international profile of the Atlas Lions, a team that has recently become one of Africa’s most prominent football forces.
By embracing artificial intelligence, Morocco positions itself at the forefront of sports innovation, setting a benchmark for football development across the continent.
Morocco unveil ambitious squad for home U17 AFCON 2026
Defending champions Morocco are determined not to let “their” U17 Africa Cup of Nations slip away on home soil. As both title holders and tournament hosts, the Atlas Lions are aiming to retain the trophy in front of their fans. To achieve that goal, head coach Tiago Lima Pereira, successor to Nabil Baha, has announced an ambitious squad packed with some of the country’s brightest young talents. Several standout names from this generation are expected to shine when the tournament kicks off on May 13 with Morocco facing Tunisia in the opening match.
Ibrahim Rabbaj, the “Moroccan Messi”, expected to lead the attack
One of the most anticipated players is Ibrahim Rabbaj, nicknamed the “Moroccan Messi.” After impressing during the UNAF qualifiers in April, the highly rated Chelsea FC academy talent is expected to spearhead Morocco’s attack. Previously involved with England’s youth teams before choosing Morocco internationally, Rabbaj is already being viewed as one of the main attractions of the tournament. Another closely watched prospect is Ilian Hadidi, captain of Standard de Liège U18s and regarded as one of Belgium’s most promising young defensive midfielders.
Strong European-based talent in the squad
Morocco will also rely on several other exciting profiles, including Rami Lougmani from RSC Anderlecht’s prestigious academy, Adam Boughazir from the Mohammed VI Academy, and Ismail El Aoud, who currently plays for Valencia CF in Spain.
A goalkeeper switched from Belgium to Morocco
Among the new additions is promising goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi. The K.A.A. Gent U18 shot-stopper, formerly a Belgium U17 international, will now represent Morocco. His arrival is another success for Morocco’s increasingly active strategy of recruiting talented dual-nationality players.
Key absences for Morocco
Despite the strength of the squad, Tiago Lima Pereira will have to cope without several major players from this generation. The biggest absentee is undoubtedly Abdallah Ouazane. Named MVP of the previous edition and recently turned professional with AFC Ajax, the youngster was not released by his club.
The same applies to Ziyad Baha, son of Nabil Baha and one of the revelations of the previous tournament, who is currently progressing well at Olympique de Marseille, as well as PSG U18 goalkeeper Adam Mouak. Finally, Mouad Gounfissi was also kept by LOSC Lille at the last minute and replaced by Swiss-Moroccan dual-national Waël Jolissaint.
Morocco among the favorites
Even with these notable absences, Morocco’s squad still looks extremely impressive on paper. Backed by home support and driven by a talented generation, the hosts will undoubtedly be considered among the leading favorites to retain the U17 AFCON title.
Moroccans Achraf Hakimi and Walid Regragui reunite in Paris
Football sometimes creates bonds that extend far beyond the pitch. With just over a month to go before the FIFA World Cup 2026, Achraf Hakimi was spotted in Paris alongside his former Morocco national team coach, Walid Regragui.
On paper, there was nothing particularly unusual about it: a player and his former coach, who shared a historic journey together, meeting over dinner in a Moroccan restaurant in Paris’s 17th arrondissement. Yet, given the current context and their shared past, the meeting quickly drew attention.
A relationship that goes beyond football
The bond between Hakimi and Regragui has always appeared especially strong.
Regragui, the former head coach of the Atlas Lions, was the one who handed Hakimi the captain’s armband following Romain Saïss’s decline in form and physical condition. During their time working together, both men consistently displayed mutual respect and closeness.
Regragui also stood firmly by Hakimi’s side during his injury struggle ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, when his participation in the tournament was in doubt.
After Regragui left his role, Hakimi paid a heartfelt tribute to him, saying: “Walid Regragui, thank you for the exceptional work you have done as head coach of the Moroccan national team. Your leadership, passion, and vision inspired not only the players but an entire nation. (…) Thank you for making us dream and for carrying our colors with such pride. Legend.”
These words reflected the deep mutual respect between the two men. In return, Regragui has also consistently shown strong support for Hakimi, particularly during his serious injury scare that threatened his participation in the last Africa Cup of Nations.
A symbolic reunion before a major global stage
This latest reunion in Paris reinforces the impression of a relationship built on trust, respect, and shared ambition. As Morocco prepares for another major chapter on the world stage at the 2026 World Cup, moments like this highlight the unity that continues to surround key figures of the national team.
Morocco set for friendly clash against Madagascar ahead of World Cup 2026
Morocco’s national team is continuing its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with another international friendly expected during the June window. According to several reports, the Morocco national football team could face Madagascar national football team as part of its final preparations before the tournament. While the official date and kickoff time are yet to be confirmed, the match is expected to serve as an important rehearsal for the Atlas Lions ahead of the biggest football event in the world.
Morocco’s coaching staff is expected to use the June camp to fine-tune tactical details, assess player form, and strengthen team chemistry before the final squad announcement. After making history as the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, Morocco heads toward 2026 with growing international expectations.
The upcoming friendlies are part of a broader strategy to maintain competitiveness and prepare the squad for another ambitious World Cup campaign. Beyond results on the pitch, Morocco continues to strengthen its reputation as a major football hub in Africa and globally. With world-class infrastructure, modern training facilities, and increasing international visibility, the Kingdom is positioning itself at the heart of global football development.
The expected clash against Madagascar adds another chapter to Morocco’s exciting road to 2026.
Morocco strengthens its investment appeal
Morocco is rapidly consolidating its position as one of the most attractive investment destinations in Africa. In Casablanca, a high-level US–Morocco business roundtable brought together senior American officials and leading investors to explore new opportunities across the Kingdom.
The meeting featured Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and US Ambassador David T. Fischer Buchan, alongside top executives from American companies already active or exploring entry into the Moroccan market.
Why investors are choosing Morocco
Morocco stands out as a stable, reform-driven economy with strong infrastructure and direct access to Europe, Africa, and the Atlantic corridor. Its strategic location makes it a natural hub for companies looking to scale regionally and globally.
Key investment advantages include: Political and economic stability; Competitive business environment; Expanding infrastructure and logistics networks; Skilled and growing workforce; Strong trade connectivity with Europe and Africa. These strengths continue to position Morocco as a premium destination for foreign direct investment.
High-growth opportunities across strategic sectors
During the Casablanca discussions, investors highlighted strong potential in several high-growth sectors, including: Renewable energy and green hydrogen; Automotive and aerospace industries; Digital innovation and technology; Tourism and hospitality development; Industrial manufacturing and logistics. Morocco’s diversification strategy is creating new opportunities for international partnerships and long-term value creation.
Emerging opportunities in the Moroccan Sahara
A key point of interest was the growing investment potential in the Moroccan Sahara. The region is increasingly being developed as a strategic economic zone, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, and tourism. This reflects Morocco’s broader vision of integrated territorial development and inclusive economic growth.
This roundtable follows a series of strengthened bilateral initiatives, including cooperation in advanced sectors such as space through the Artemis framework. The presence of Christopher Landau underscores Washington’s commitment to expanding economic ties with Morocco, reinforcing its role as a key partner in Africa.
For global investors, Morocco offers more than market access—it offers a long-term growth platform. With its modern infrastructure, investor-friendly reforms, and expanding international partnerships, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a leading business and investment hub on the African continent.
AFCON U17 2026 : Morocco aims to confirm its supremacy on home soil
Morocco is ready to take center stage once again as it hosts the AFCON U17 2026, kicking off on May 13 in Rabat. The opening match will see the host nation and defending champions face Tunisia in what promises to be a thrilling start to the tournament.
Hosting the competition for the second consecutive time, Morocco continues to position itself as a leading destination for major international sporting events. The choice of Rabat as the opening venue highlights the country’s growing reputation for world-class infrastructure and organization.
Matches will take place at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, which will host the opening game, semi-finals, and final, while the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmoura—one of Africa’s most advanced training facilities—will stage the group phase.
Beyond the tournament, Morocco is reinforcing its status as a global football hub. With upcoming events such as the FIFA World Cup 2030 (co-hosted), the Women’s AFCON 2026, and the U17 Women’s World Cup, the country is rapidly becoming a key destination for sports tourism.
For visitors, AFCON U17 2026 offers more than football—it’s an opportunity to experience Morocco’s vibrant culture, modern infrastructure, and passion for the game.
