Morocco unveils fresh-looking squad ahead of World Cup 2026 preparations
Morocco has officially launched preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after head coach Mohamed Ouahbi announced a 28-man training camp squad on Thursday, May 21. The training camp, set to begin on Friday at the prestigious Mohammed VI Football Complex, marks the first major step in Morocco’s final build-up before heading to the global tournament. The squad blends experienced internationals, returning stars, and exciting young talents, reflecting Morocco’s ambition to remain one of Africa’s leading football nations after its historic rise on the international stage.
Ayyoub Bouaddi Headlines a new generation
One of the biggest stories surrounding the squad is the inclusion of highly rated Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who recently committed his international future to Morocco. Several players also earned their first senior call-ups, including:
- Yanis Benchaouchi (AS Monaco)
- Ibrahim Gomis (Olympique de Marseille)
- Othmane Maamma, MVP of the latest U20 World Cup
- Soufiane El-Faouzi (Schalke 04)
- Tawfik Bentayeb, currently Ligue 2’s top scorer in France
The selections underline Morocco’s growing talent pool across Europe and its continued investment in youth development.
Boufal returns as key stars miss early camp
Experienced winger Sofiane Boufal returns to the national team after months away, following strong performances with Le Havre in France. Midfielder Imran Louza also makes his comeback, while regulars such as Ayoub El Kaabi, Ismael Saibari and Oussama Targhalline remain part of the setup. However, several major stars were left out of the initial camp due to rest periods or ongoing club commitments. Those absent include:
- Achraf Hakimi
- Brahim Díaz
- Yassine Bounou
- Azzedine Ounahi
Most are expected to join the squad later before the World Cup campaign officially begins.
Friendly Matches Set the Tone Before World Cup 2026
Morocco will conclude the camp with a closed-door friendly against Burundi on May 26 before facing Madagascar on June 2 and Norway on June 7. The Atlas Lions will compete in Group C at the FIFA World Cup 2026 alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. After their memorable recent international performances, Moroccan fans will once again expect the Atlas Lions to challenge football’s biggest nations on the world stage.
World Cup 2026: Royal Air Maroc boosts travel options for Morocco fans
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Royal Air Maroc is launching a special travel initiative designed for Morocco supporters. The national carrier will operate 32 additional direct flights between June 13 and June 24, 2026, connecting Morocco to the United States. The program provides more than 8,800 extra seats to three key American destinations: New York, Boston, and Atlanta, where the Atlas Lions will play their group stage matches.
New York, Boston and Atlanta: three unique travel experiences
New York will host Morocco’s blockbuster match against Brazil and will receive the largest share of flights, with 12 special services and a total capacity of around 7,500 passengers including regular routes. Boston, a historic East Coast city, will welcome Morocco fans for the match against Scotland, supported by 12 special flights offering more than 3,300 seats. Atlanta, located in the southern United States, will host Morocco’s match against Haiti and will be served by 8 dedicated rotations, providing around 2,200 seats.
Fixed fares and dedicated ticketing platform
Royal Air Maroc has introduced a special round-trip fare of 10,000 MAD (approximately 935 EUR) in economy class. Tickets are available since May 20 through RAM agencies and the dedicated “Go Lions” platform. Tickets are sold at fixed dates and are non-refundable.
A unique opportunity to combine travel and football passion
This initiative allows Moroccan supporters to experience the World Cup 2026 in some of the most iconic cities in the United States while backing their national team. It reflects the growing global enthusiasm around Morocco following its historic 2022 World Cup performance.
AFCON U17 2026 : Morocco reach quarter-finals and secure World Cup spot
Morocco’s U17 national team maintained their flawless campaign at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-1 victory over Egypt on Tuesday, May 19, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé. The young Atlas Lions delivered another convincing performance in the final Group A match to finish top of the standings and book their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament hosted on Moroccan soil.
Atlas Lions Seal Qualification for FIFA U17 World Cup
With this important win, Morocco not only advanced to the knockout stage of the U17 AFCON but also officially secured qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup. Coached by Tiago Lima Pereira, the Moroccan side confirmed its growing reputation as one of Africa’s strongest youth football nations. The qualification marks a third consecutive quarter-final appearance for Morocco at the continental competition, highlighting the country’s steady progress in youth football development.
Morocco Strengthen Their Status as a Rising Football Power
Backed by home support and a talented generation of players, the Atlas Lions showcased discipline, attacking efficiency, and composure against a competitive Egyptian side. Morocco’s impressive performances throughout the group stage reinforce the country’s ambition to become a long-term powerhouse in African and international youth football. Hosting the tournament has also provided another opportunity for Morocco to display its world-class football infrastructure and organizational capabilities.
Strong Momentum Ahead of the Knockout Stage
Unbeaten in the group phase, Morocco head into the quarter-finals full of confidence and among the favorites to win the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations title. The Atlas Lions will now look to continue their momentum as they pursue continental glory in front of their home fans.
AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Morocco draws favorable Group A as CAF unveils full line-up
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially conducted the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2027) qualifiers, revealing the group-stage paths for all 48 national teams. Reigning champions Morocco have been handed a highly favorable Group A alongside Gabon, Niger, and Lesotho. On paper, the Atlas Lions stand out as the dominant force in the group, combining depth, experience, and recent continental success.
Morocco will be expected to comfortably navigate a group where both Gabon and Lesotho have previously struggled against them, while Niger could represent a potential wildcard due to its steady football development.
Morocco’s path toward CAN 2027
With their status as defending champions, Morocco enter the qualifiers with high expectations. The draw reinforces their position as one of the strongest teams on the continent, with a clear opportunity to build momentum ahead of the 2027 finals hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Major African contenders also drawn
Elsewhere in the draw, Senegal, Algeria, and Nigeria were also placed in relatively manageable groups, avoiding the toughest possible combinations from Pot 2. Senegal will face Mozambique, Sudan, and Ethiopia in Group J, while Algeria meets Zambia, Togo, and Burundi in Group I. Nigeria will compete against Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea-Bissau in Group L.
High-profile clash in Group C
One of the standout fixtures of the qualifiers will be the Group C showdown between Ivory Coast and Ghana, two of Africa’s traditional football powerhouses. Both teams are expected to battle for top position in what is widely considered the most competitive group.
Qualification format
The qualifiers will begin in September 2026. Teams will play six matches in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will qualify for CAN 2027, except in groups containing host nations, where only one qualification spot will be available.
Achraf Hakimi elevates Morocco into an elite circle in world football
Achraf Hakimi has once again made history, carrying Moroccan football into an exclusive circle of global excellence. By winning his fifth Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain, the Moroccan international continues to strengthen his status as one of the most decorated and influential African players of his generation. With PSG officially crowned French champions after their victory over Lens, Hakimi now stands among a very small group of players who have dominated one of Europe’s top five leagues over multiple seasons. His achievement places both him and Morocco firmly on the map of sustained elite-level success in world football.
A Symbol of Moroccan Excellence at the Highest Level
Even while sidelined due to injury, Hakimi’s influence throughout the season has been undeniable. The Morocco captain has been a driving force behind PSG’s domestic campaign, combining consistency, leadership, and world-class performances on the right flank.
Once again included in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year at the UNFP awards, Hakimi has delivered a complete season: explosive runs, defensive solidity, and decisive contributions in attack. With 4 goals and 8 assists in the league, he continues to redefine the modern full-back role at the highest level of the game.
His performances reinforce a growing reality: Hakimi is not only one of the best right-backs in the world—he is also one of the most influential Moroccan athletes in history.
Morocco Among Football’s Elite Nations
Hakimi’s latest milestone is more than an individual achievement—it is a statement about Moroccan football itself. By consistently competing for and winning top European honours, he has helped position Morocco among a select group of nations capable of producing world-class, title-winning talent at the highest level.
From domestic dominance in France to Champions League ambitions with PSG, Hakimi represents a new era for Moroccan football: confident, global, and fully integrated into Europe’s elite competitive landscape.
A Legacy Still in the Making
At just the peak of his career, Hakimi’s trajectory continues to rise. With PSG chasing a potential historic double, including a UEFA Champions League final against Arsenal, the Moroccan star still has more chapters to write. But one thing is already clear: Achraf Hakimi has pushed Morocco into a rare and privileged circle of world football nations—where consistency, trophies, and global impact define true greatness.
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.
