Team: Morocco

Morocco arrive at 2026 as Africa's most celebrated football nation after their historic run to the semifinals at Qatar 2022, where they became the first African team to reach that stage. Achraf Hakimi leads a squad built on defensive solidity, collective running, and the ability to absorb pressure before striking on the counter. Hakim Ziyech brings creativity and unpredictability in attack, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou remains world class at his position. The Atlas Lions are no longer underdogs and arrive in North America with genuine ambitions to reach the semifinals and beyond for the second consecutive World Cup tournament.

Morocco became the first African team to qualify for 2026, sealing their place with an emphatic 5-0 win over Niger on 5 September.