Four years ago in Qatar, Morocco rewrote African football history. They began the tournament in stunning form — a 0-0 draw with Croatia, a 2-0 victory over Belgium, and a 2-1 win over Canada — topping their group. They then knocked out Spain on penalties in the Round of 16, followed by a 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Portugal, defeating two European powerhouses in succession to become the first African nation ever to reach the World Cup semifinals. They finished fourth.

For this World Cup, Morocco's qualifying campaign was smooth sailing. In CAF Group E, Morocco won all six matches, securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup with two games to spare. In their final qualifier, they thrashed Niger 5-0 — a statement victory to close out a perfect campaign. Among all African qualifiers, Morocco's record stands alone.

Morocco's squad is valued at over €300 million, blending youth and experience perfectly. Their defining characteristic: every player competes in one of Europe's top leagues, familiar with high-intensity football and tactical discipline.

The defense remains Morocco's most reliable unit. Achraf Hakimi is one of the world's elite right-backs, consistent on both ends of the pitch. On the left, Noussair Mazraoui offers balance on both sides of the ball, serving as a key driving force in transition throughout qualifying.

In midfield, Sofyan Amrabat anchors the deep-lying pivot with defensive excellence. Azzedine Ounahi connects play and is the team's most accomplished passer. Meanwhile, Brahim Díaz — at 26 — is Morocco's most creative attacking player. After choosing to represent Morocco in 2024, he has injected elite offensive talent into the side. He missed a crucial penalty in the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final shootout, but that is unlikely to shake his central role in Morocco's attack. And at 33, Hakim Ziyech — though he has since returned to domestic football in Morocco — remains a dangerous threat on set pieces and in settled possession.

Morocco is currently ranked 8th in the FIFA World Rankings. Their squad is valued at €456 million — the highest in Africa and among the top ten globally. At the 2026 World Cup, Morocco has been drawn into Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.

In Group C, Brazil has the strongest squad on paper. Morocco will battle Scotland for the other direct qualification spot. The match against Scotland will be Morocco's most critical group-stage fixture — a win would put them in firm control of their path to the knockout rounds. On paper, Morocco has a strong chance of finishing second and advancing.

The real test will come in the knockout stage. Morocco's most likely opponent would come from Group F — potentially a South American power or an Asian champion. With their defensive depth and tournament experience, Morocco is capable of clearing that hurdle. If they can win the group, a quarterfinal appearance is a realistic baseline expectation. Even if they advance as runners-up, Morocco has the quality to replicate the magic of four years ago.