Morocco is aiming for a strong showing at the 2026 World Cup after a turbulent lead-up marked by controversy at the Africa Cup of Nations and a coaching change. The North African nation, currently ranked eighth in the world, won the 2026 AFCON title after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped Senegal of the trophy for walking off in protest during the final, a decision Senegal has since appealed at the Court of Arbitration for Sport [1, 2].

The AFCON final, held in Morocco, ended 1-0 in favor of Senegal after extra time, following a missed injury-time penalty by Morocco’s Brahim Diaz. Senegal protested the penalty call by temporarily leaving the pitch but later returned to complete the match [1, 2].

Six weeks after the AFCON final defeat in February 2026, Walid Regragui resigned as Morocco’s head coach. He had led Morocco during their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, a first-ever achievement for an African and Arab country. Morocco then lost the third-place playoff to Croatia after a semi-final defeat by France [1, 2].

Morocco’s previous best World Cup performance before 2022 was reaching the round of 16 in 1986 [1, 2]. The current team is considered more experienced and talented than four years ago, with star player Achraf Hakimi, the reigning African Player of the Year, leading the squad [1, 2]. Morocco’s group stage opponents at the 2026 World Cup include Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti [1, 2].

Following Regragui’s departure, Mohamed Ouahbi, who guided Morocco’s Under-20 team to victory at the U-20 World Cup last October, was promoted to senior head coach [1, 2].

Oussama Berraoui commented, “The Atlas Lions have a real and serious chance at this World Cup. The current team is more experienced and more talented than four years ago.” [1]

With Senegal’s appeal pending and the World Cup approaching, Mohamed Ouahbi will lead Morocco as they try to build on their historic 2022 campaign and navigate the pressure of hosting the Africa Cup of Nations and the controversy surrounding their AFCON title.

Morocco’s next major international tests are the 2026 World Cup group matches against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, where they will look to improve on their previous best and justify their elevated world ranking. [1, 2]