Morocco will face France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals with a squad blending continental champions, Saudi-based experience and recent international converts. The Atlas Lions meet the same opponents who ended their historic semi-final run at Qatar 2022, though this time the prize is a place in the final four.
Champions League pedigree
Achraf Hakimi remains the defensive cornerstone despite facing significant off-field scrutiny. The Paris Saint-Germain right-back was part of the squad that won the 2025 Champions League final, adding European glory to his domestic medals. His understanding with former teammate Kylian Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, persists from their time together in Paris.
The 27-year-old will stand trial following a 2023 rape accusation, which he denies. Hakimi has publicly contested the allegations, arguing that accusations alone should not justify legal proceedings. He maintains his innocence and awaits the judicial process to establish the facts publicly.
Veteran stability
Between the posts, Yassine Bounou provides continuity after moving to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in 2023. The goalkeeper spent the previous nine years in Spain, accumulating nearly 160 La Liga appearances before his switch to the Middle East.
Munir offers another option in goal, having returned to Moroccan football in 2024 with RS Berkane. The veteran, unique in the squad as the only player born in the Spanish enclave of Melilla, played a central role in securing the club’s maiden top-flight title last year.
Fresh blood and dual-nationality switches
Manager Mohamed Ouahbi has expanded his defensive options by recruiting players eligible for multiple nations. PSV defender Salah-Eddine switched allegiance from Netherlands youth teams up to Under-21 level, addressing a shortage of quality at left-back.
Centre-back Diop received his first senior call-up in March despite previous declarations that he would represent only France. Ouahbi rejected media suggestions that the player dislikes Morocco, describing their discussions as honest and straightforward. The conversation convinced the French-born defender, whose grandfather Lybasse Diop was the first Senegalese player in Ligue 1, to commit to the Atlas Lions.
Faith and fitness
Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui brings versatility and religious devotion to the camp. The 26-year-old made a pilgrimage to Mecca during an international break in 2024 after requesting special permission from the Moroccan federation. He has also credited dietary discipline with improving his physical condition, eliminating fizzy drinks from his routine entirely.
The combination of hardened European campaigners and motivated new recruits gives Morocco varied tactical resources as they attempt to surpass their Qatar achievements and defeat the reigning world champions.