Morocco enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a global powerhouse, carrying the momentum of their historic semi-final run in Qatar to stadiums across North America.
Now among the best teams in the world, the Atlas Lions boast world-class talent such as Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz.
The group stage will be the definitive test of their ability to maintain their status as the standard-bearers of African and Arab football.
The road to the final at MetLife Stadium in New York on July 19 is an unprecedented eight-game marathon, requiring five consecutive knockout wins in an expanded 48-team format.
After shocking the world in 2022 – becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals – Morocco aims to go even further this time.
With a strong defence, set-piece threat, and an experienced squad under new coach Houssine Ouahbi, they aim to reach at least the knockout stages and possibly finish top-two in the group.
As the tournament kicks off across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, this guide provides live scores, match results, and group standings so fans can track every goal, assist, and key moment. Stay tuned for full coverage of the Atlas Lions’ journey through football’s grandest stage.
Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
| Category | Information |
| Group | C |
| Head Coach | Mohamed Ouahbi (Since March 2026) |
| Captain | Achraf Hakimi |
| FIFA Ranking | 8th (as of January 2026) |
| First Match | vs Brazil – June 13, 2026 |
Morocco Group C Opponents
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Morocco has been drawn into Group C alongside five-time champions Brazil, as well as Scotland and Haiti.
This group stage marks a historic “rematch” for the Atlas Lions, who also shared a group with Brazil and Scotland in the 1998 World Cup.
Opponent Profiles
Brazil
- World Ranking: 5th (as of January, 2026)
- Coach: Carlo Ancelotti (Since May 2025)
- Key Players: Vinicius Júnior (Winger, Real MAdrid), Raphinha (Winger, Barcelona), Estêvão (Winger, Chelsea).
- How they got here: Brazil qualified by finishing fifth in the tough CONMEBOL (South American) qualifiers, securing one of the six direct qualification berths.
- Appearance: 23rd (The only nation to appear in every World Cup; 5-time Champions)
- Playing Style: Joga Bonito evolved; high-tempo attacking football utilizing world-class individual flair on the wings and a creative midfield.
- Head to Head: 1 Win, 0 Draws, 2 Losses for Morocco. (Morocco won the most recent friendly 2–1 in March 2023).
Scotland
- World Ranking: 39th (as of January, 2026)
- Coach: Steve Clarke (Since May 2019)
- Key Players: Andrew Robertson (Captain and Liverpool), Scott McTominay (Midfielder, Napoli), John McGinn (Midfielder, Aston Villa).
- How they got here: Scotland secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup by finishing as one of the best-ranked third-place teams in the UEFA qualifiers, earning direct qualification to the expanded tournament.
- Appearance: 9th (First appearance since 1998)
- Playing Style: Highly organized defensive structure; they rely on a hardworking midfield and are dangerous on set pieces and counter-attacks.
- Head to Head: 1 Win, 1 Draw, 1 Loss. (Morocco famously defeated Scotland 3–0 at the 1998 World Cup).
Haiti
- World Ranking: 83rd (as of January 2026)
- Coach: Sébastien Migné (Since March 2024)
- Key Players: Duckens Nazon (Striker, Esteghlal), Derrick Etienne Jr (Midfielder, Atlanta United), Frantzdy Pierrot (Forward, AEK Athens).
- How they got here: Haiti secured direct qualification by topping Group C in the final round of CONCACAF qualifiers.
- Appearance: 2nd (First appearance since 1974)
- Playing Style: Athletic and direct; they favor a physical approach with quick transitions looking to exploit the pace of their forward line.
- Head to Head: 0 matches played. This will be the first-ever meeting between Morocco and Haiti.
Related Guides
→ FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C – Teams, Fixtures, and Standings
Morocco Group C Match Schedule
Morocco’s 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage schedule begins with a highly anticipated match against Brazil on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New York, New Jersey.
| Date (2026) | Match | Stadium | Local Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 13 | Brazil vs. Morocco | MetLife Stadium | 6:00 PM |
| June 19 | Scotland vs. Morocco | Gillette Stadium | 3:00 PM |
| June 24 | Morocco vs. Haiti | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 6:00 PM |
Morocco Group C Standings
The table below reflects the group standings before kickoff and will be updated after each matchday.
| Pos | Team | MP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Morocco | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Haiti | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Scotland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
How Morocco Qualifies for the Knockout Stage
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Morocco can qualify for the knockout stage by finishing as one of the top two teams in Group C or by being one of the eight best third-placed teams in all 12 groups.
This expanded 48-team format introduces a new round of 32, meaning 32 teams will advance from the group stage instead of the traditional 16. If Morocco finishes in the top two, their progression is automatic.
To determine these rankings, FIFA uses a series of tiebreakers, starting with the highest number of points scored in all group matches.
If teams are level on points, the next criteria are higher goal difference and most goals scored in all group matches.
If the deadlock persists, the head-to-head results between the tied teams, fair play records, and finally, the FIFA World Rankings are used to determine the final standings.
If Morocco finish third in Group C, they will need to beat at least four other third-placed teams from the remaining 11 groups to secure a place in the Round of 32.
This second seeding for the third-placed teams follows the same order of points, goal difference and goals scored.
With 32 of the 48 participants having advanced, two-thirds of the teams will advance to the knockout stage, giving the Atlas Lions multiple routes to continue their journey once the group stage ends on June 24, 2026.
Morocco Potential Knockout Stage Path
Morocco’s potential knockout route at the 2026 FIFA World Cup depends on their final ranking in Group C.
Under the expanded 48-team format, the Atlas Lions have three primary routes to the newly established Round of 32, each leading to different host cities and levels of competition across North America.
As Group C winner: Morocco will travel to Houston, Texas for Game 76 at NRG Stadium on Monday, June 29, 2026.
In this scenario, they will face the Group F runner-up, Japan, Tunisia, or the UEFA play-off winner, in a slot that would have otherwise been contested.
This is strategically advantageous as it bypasses fellow group winners in the first knockout round and sets up a potential Round of 16 clash at MetLife Stadium.
As Group C runner-up: The team will travel to Monterrey, Mexico for Game 75 at Estadio BBVA on Monday, June 29, 2026.
Their opponent will be the winner of Group F, which is widely expected to be the Netherlands.
This route is high-stakes, potentially pitting Morocco against a European heavyweight early in the tournament.
As the best third-place team: If Morocco are selected as one of the eight best third-place teams, their path becomes much more variable.
They could be placed in Match 74 against the winner of Group E (likely Germany) in Boston, Match 77 against the winner of Group I (likely France) in New Jersey, or Match 79 against the winner of Group A (likely Mexico) in Mexico City.
| Round | If Winner of Group C | If Runner-Up of Group C | If Best 3rd Placed Team* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | June 29 – Houston (vs Runner-up Group F) | June 29 – Monterrey (vs Winner Group F) | June 30 – Venue TBD (vs Winner Group A/E/I) |
| Round of 16 | July 5 – New York NJ (W76 vs W78) | July 4 – Houston (W73 vs W75) | July 4–7 – Venue TBD |
| Quarter-final | July 11 – Miami | July 10 – Boston | July 9–11 – Venue TBD |
| Semi-final | July 15 – Atlanta | July 14 – Dallas | July 14–15 – Venue TBD |
| Final | July 19 – New York NJ | July 19 – New York NJ | July 19 – New York NJ |
Related Guides
→ Morocco’s Road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final: Possible Opponents & Knockout Path