The 2022 Run That Shocked the World
Captain: Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi — Morocco's Golden Boy
PSG's electric right-back is one of football's most dynamic defenders. Hakimi's pace, directness and technical ability make him arguably the best attacking full-back in world football. His ability to overlap, drive into the box and score goals from right-back gives Morocco a dimension no other African team possesses. He is the symbol of the new Morocco — fearless, technical and relentless.
Key Players to Watch
Hakim Ziyech
CAM / Winger
Morocco's creative heartbeat and the player who makes them tick. Ziyech's left foot is one of the most technically gifted in football — his passing range, dribbling and set-piece delivery created countless chances in 2022. His vision and guile from the right channel are irreplaceable.
Youssef En-Nesyri
ST / Striker
Morocco's primary striker and a physical powerhouse. En-Nesyri's aerial ability, strength and finishing make him a nightmare for any defence. His headed goal to beat Portugal in the 2022 quarter-final is one of the iconic moments of that tournament — the leap of a man possessed.
Sofyan Amrabat
DM / Defensive Mid
The engine of Morocco's press. Amrabat's 2022 tournament was a revelation — he was arguably the best defensive midfielder in Qatar. His ferocious tackling, work-rate and ability to break up play single-handedly neutralised Spain and Portugal's passing games. A world-class destroyer.
Yassine Bounou (Bono)
GK / Goalkeeper
The hero of Morocco's penalty shootout win over Spain in 2022. Bono's stunning saves that day — including a magnificent penalty stop — turned him into a national icon. His reflexes and positional sense make him one of the best goalkeepers in world football at his peak.
Romain Saïss
CB / Centre-Back
Former captain and the veteran leader of Morocco's defensive block. Saïss played through injury in 2022 to help Morocco reach the semi-finals — his leadership and experience are invaluable in the dressing room. A warrior who defines what the Atlas Lions stand for.
Azzedine Ounahi
CM / Central Mid
The breakthrough star of 2022, Ounahi's dribbling and energy in midfield was one of the revelations of the Qatar World Cup. The Marseille midfielder has matured further since then — his ability to carry the ball under pressure and link defence to attack is crucial to Morocco's system.
Expected Squad — 4-3-3 / 4-1-4-1 Formation
Regragui's Morocco are built on a ferocious press, compact defensive shape and fast transitions. This 4-3-3/4-1-4-1 hybrid is their most effective setup.
Manager: Walid Regragui — The Architect of the Miracle
Head Coach
Walid Regragui
Former Morocco international. Head Coach since August 2022.
Appointed just two months before the 2022 World Cup, Regragui is the definition of high-risk, high-reward. He completely transformed Morocco's defensive structure and team spirit in weeks. His management of individual egos, tactical flexibility and the ability to inspire belief against overwhelming odds produced the greatest African performance in World Cup history. He is now one of the most coveted coaches in football — but he stays loyal to the Atlas Lions.
The 2022 Historic Run: Match by Match
Can Morocco Go Even Further in 2026?
Reasons to Believe
- + Core 2022 squad largely intact
- + Hakimi — world class full-back
- + Regragui tactical genius proven
- + Hunger to surpass 2022 bronze
Concerns
- − Key players aging (Saiss, Bono)
- − Ziyech injury history
- − Replicating 2022 team spirit
- − Tougher expectations this time
The 2026 Target: Semi-Finals or Better
Morocco are no longer an underdog story — they are contenders. At home to North American crowds in 2026, with CONCACAF-sympathetic atmospheres and African diaspora support, they have every reason to believe a final is not just possible, but achievable.
Africa's Flagship Nation
AFCON Contenders
Morocco have been consistent AFCON finalists and contenders, reflecting their rise as the dominant force in African football.
Domestic League
The Botola Pro is growing, but Morocco's best talent heads to Europe early — creating a pipeline of battle-hardened international-ready players.
Diaspora Power
Morocco draws from players born across France, Netherlands, Spain and Belgium — creating a dual-nationality talent pool that is uniquely deep for an African nation.
Tournament Prediction
Final Four Contenders
Morocco have the quality, experience and belief to match their 2022 semi-final run. If Hakimi and Ziyech stay fit and Amrabat recaptures that World Cup form, they are a credible final four contender. Africa is ready to write history again — and the Atlas Lions are leading the charge.