World Cup
Coming off an unprecedented run in 2022, can Morocco aim even higher?
Morocco players exit the plane after flying to the United States on June 3. Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images
June 10, 2026 | 11:39 AM
3 minutes to read
While the term “dark horse” is used so frequently that can lose its meaning, Morocco’s World Cup team fits the definition perhaps better than anyone else in the 48-team field.
Recent success, a talent-laden roster, and a growing belief among the “Atlas Lions” has them positioned with odds (+5000) that are longer than the traditional frontrunners, but measurably shorter than the United States (+6000).
Before things get going, here’s a quick guide for one of the teams coming to the Boston area for the 2026 World Cup:
Three quick things to know
- Morocco has been on a historic run: In 2022, the Atlas Lions became the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal before falling to France. It was magical run that included wins over Belgium, Spain, and Portugal.
Throwback to Achraf Hakimi and Morocco defeating Spain on penalties at the 2022 World Cup — Spain didn’t convert a single one 😮
Morocco’s historic 2022 run saw them defeat Belgium, Spain, and Portugal to become the only African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. pic.twitter.com/jF0RoSSHaZ
— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) June 9, 2026
- As part of Morocco’s recent run of success, however, is a the major controversy that spiraled from the Africa Cup of Nations final in January. Held in Morocco, the competition was supposed to be triumphant moment for the hosts, who reached the final to face Senegal. But after Morocco was awarded a controversial penalty kick late in the game, Senegal players and coaches left the field during stoppage time for 15 minutes. Morocco missed the ensuing penalty when play resumed, and Senegal went on to win the game. Though the strange chapter appeared to be closed, a Confederation of African Football appeal board later concluded that because Senegal left the field, they officially forfeited the match. Morocco are therefore technically AFCON champions, but the result, unsurprisingly, remains in dispute.
- The team is coached by Mohamed Ouahbi, who took over in March after former coach Walid Regragui abruptly stepped down following the recent AFCON. While losing a coach of Regragui’s caliber — he led Morocco to its greatest heights at a World Cup — is undoubtedly a loss, Ouahbi is an intriguing successor. He most recently coached Morocco’s U-20 men’s national team, leading it to an unprecedented U-20 World Cup title in Oct. 2025. He’s also been calling up younger players from his title-winning U-20 team into the main national team, which could be a recipe for continued success.
What’s the group stage schedule?
- June 13: Brazil vs. Morocco at 6 p.m. (New York New Jersey Stadium)
- June 19: Scotland vs. Morocco at 6 p.m. (Boston Stadium)
- June 24: Morocco vs. Haiti at 6 p.m. (Atlanta Stadium)
Standout quote: “The heart wants what it wants,” New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani said before officially picking Morocco to win the World Cup in a recent Guardian video. Mamdani picked France to face the Atlas Lions in the final (which will be held at “New York New Jersey Stadium” on July 19).
Player to know: Noussair Mazraoui, Morocco’s do-it-all defender. He’s far from Morocco’s flashiest player, but he’s certainly one of the most important. Mazraoui normally plays as a right back at the club level — though he has featured for Manchester United in a plethora of roles, even starting as an attacking midfielder in 2024 — but is routinely deployed as a left back for Morocco. He adds defensive toughness and balance too, especially when his more attack-minded fellow outside back, Achraf Hakimi, charges forward down the right side.
How they might line up: Ouahbi has a few issues to ponder as he heads into the tournament, including the injury statuses of center-back Nayef Aguerd, winger Abde Ezzalzouli, and Mazraoui. Of those, Aguerd’s condition seems most in doubt.
Expert prediction: “A lot of players will be making their tournament debut at a time when the expectations around this side have increased. If they lose their opening game to Brazil, there will be a lot of pressure to beat Scotland.” –Ahmed Walid and Jay Harris of The Athletic
Fun version of their anthem: Though AFCON wouldn’t stay on such a high note, here’s a hearty rendition of “The Cherifian Anthem” carried by players and thousands of Morocco fans.
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
⚽ Get the latest World Cup news
Receive updates on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
