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FIFA WC 2026: Check Morocco’s full schedule, squad and team preview here | FIFA World Cup 2022

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Morocco national football team arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying the weight of history and expectation after their remarkable run in Qatar four years ago. The Atlas Lions stunned the footballing world in 2022 by defeating Spain and Portugal in the knockout stages, becoming the first African nation ever to reach a World Cup semifinal. Having previously advanced beyond the group stage only once back in 1986, Morocco now face the challenge of proving their success was no fluke.

 


Led by the ever-dangerous Achraf Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the world’s best attacking right-backs, Morocco possess a squad filled with quality and experience. Brahim Díaz is also set to feature in his first World Cup after switching international allegiance from Spain in 2023, adding even more creativity to the side. While several heroes from the 2022 campaign remain central figures, a new generation of talent is also expected to emerge during the tournament.

 
 

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Morocco’s road to qualification was dominant from start to finish. They won all eight of their qualifying matches, scoring 22 goals while conceding just twice. The Atlas Lions comfortably topped their group with a nine-point advantage over nearest challengers Niger, showcasing both defensive solidity and attacking consistency throughout the campaign.

 


Morocco’s Group C in FIFA World Cup 2026

 

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Morocco


Brazil


Scotland


Haiti

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Morocco looking for another positive display

 


Achraf Hakimi will once again be the driving force behind Morocco’s ambitions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Widely regarded as one of the finest full-backs in world football, the Paris Saint-Germain star brings pace, creativity and attacking threat down the right flank. Fresh off a UEFA Champions League triumph in 2025, Hakimi’s overlapping runs and ability to influence games in the final third make him one of Morocco’s most dangerous weapons.

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Meanwhile, exciting young winger Ilias Akhomach is expected to emerge as a breakout talent during the tournament. Developed in Barcelona’s famed academy before gaining valuable La Liga experience with Villarreal and Rayo Vallecano, the youngster possesses flair, quick feet and direct attacking intent that can trouble defenders, especially when introduced from the bench. 

 

Morocco schedule for FIFA World Cup 2026 
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Morocco FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule

Fixture

Date

Venue

Brazil vs. Morocco

Saturday, June 13

MetLife Stadium

Scotland vs. Morocco

Friday, June 19

Gillette Stadium

Morocco vs. Haiti

Wednesday, June 24

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

 


Morocco’s Key Strengths

 


Morocco national football team thrive in quick transitional football rather than slow possession-based play. Their attacking approach is built around speed, direct movement and exploiting spaces in wide areas, especially through the attacking runs of Achraf Hakimi. Morocco are also extremely well-organised defensively, maintaining a compact shape without the ball and showing impressive discipline across all areas of the pitch. Their structure and tactical awareness make them difficult opponents to break down.

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Morocco’s Weaknesses

 


While Morocco are dangerous on the counterattack, they can struggle creatively when forced to dominate possession against defensive opponents. Breaking down deep defensive blocks remains a challenge, particularly against teams willing to sit back and defend in numbers. In matches where Morocco are expected to control the tempo and create consistently through the middle, their attacking rhythm can sometimes become predictable and less effective.

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Morocco squad for FIFA World Cup 2026:   Preliminary squad: 


Goalkeepers: Mehdi Lahrar, Munir Mohamedi, Yanis Benshaouch

 

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Defenders: Ibrahim Gomez, Abdelhamid Ait Boudla, Ismail Baouf, Ismail Saibari, Osama Tergalin, Samir El Morabet, Marouane Saadan, Mohamed Chibi, Sofiane Bouftini, Yassir Zabiri, Sofiane Karouani

 


Midfielders: Imran Louza, Anas Salah Eddine, Yassine Jassim, Ayoub Bouadi, Toufiq Bentyeb, Ayoub Amimouni, Sofiane Fawzi, Yanis Bekraoui

 

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Forwards: Sofiane Boufal, Rayan Bonida, Sofiane Benjdida, Youssef Belamri, Ayoub El Kaabi, Osman Maama

 

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Annua Huang sets Ladies European Tour history aged 17

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Teenager Anna Huang became the youngest player to win three tournaments in Ladies European Tour history with victory at the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco.

The Canadian, 17, had been six shots off the lead going into the final round but six birdies and an eagle in a closing round of 66 meant she pipped overnight leader Kelsey Bennett by one shot on 14 under par.

Her win on Royal Dar Es Salam’s Blue course follows her back-to-back titles in September at the La Sella Open and Lacoste Ladies Open de France and means she has broken the record of Jeeno Thitikul, who was aged 18 when she landed her third title.

“I’m honestly just so shocked right now,” Huang said.

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“To get my third win on tour in only my second year is incredible. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment!”

It capped a fine few weeks for the teenager, during which she qualified for the US Women’s Open before finishing tied for third at last week’s Amundi German Masters.

English defending champion Cara Gainer finished tied for sixth on eight under.

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England job, Man City return? Pep Guardiola leaves door open on management plans

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Pep Guardiola has left the door open to potentially returning to Manchester City in the future or leading the England national team

Pep Guardiola refused to rule out one day returning to Manchester City or potentially taking the England national team job, as he spoke following confirmation he will leave the Etihad this summer.

Guardiola has called time on his incredible decade at City and will take charge of the Blues for the final time when Aston Villa visit for Sunday’s Premier League finale.

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City are set to appoint Enzo Maresca as Guardiola’s successor with the Catalan set to take an extended break from the game. But, at 55, this is not yet a retirement and while he will now conduct some work as an ambassador within the City Football Group, a return to management remains a possibility in the future.

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Guardiola has often spoken about his respect for English football and didn’t close the door on the national job should the opportunity arise down the line.

“I don’t have any absolute plan about my future,” said Guardiola. “I start to rest and go to recover my time that I missed with my kids, they are growing and many things I’ve not done I want to do. So, I don’t think for one second thinking about anything football related for the next time, for the next years. I don’t think about it.

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“I need to rest, I need to reflect, I need to see what happened in my 17, 18 years (in management.) And after we see what happens. I don’t have a plan, just to rest and do a lot of things I want to do that I didn’t do in the past, stupid things that I want to do.”

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The Blues boss has said plenty of times in the past that he would not return to lead Barcelona, where he was a player and manager with huge success, but he stopped short of making the same guarantee with City.

“Why you ask me that question?” he said with a smile. “For a while, I will not be manager. That is the only thing. Otherwise I would be here, still here. I deserve, honestly, to take a break”

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5 Bold Summer Predictions for the Vikings

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A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the sideline before a road game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
A Minnesota Vikings helmet rests along the sideline before a divisional matchup against the Detroit Lions on Jan. 2, 2011, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The image captured a quiet pregame moment as the Vikings closed out the 2010 regular season during a transitional stretch for the franchise and its roster. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-Imagn Images

Bold predictions, by design, are supposed to be headline-grabbing, outlandish, and a little weird. And with the Minnesota Vikings’ summer operations mere days away, it’s time to get some of those on record.

Minnesota’s summer will bring clarity, drama, and probably at least one roster move that feels uncomfortable.

The Vikings will feature a new general manager and quarterback in 2026; here’s a look at some predictions for the summer.

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Early and Bold Vikings Predictions Are Here

Putting these hot takes on record.

Brett Thorson punts during the SEC Championship game between Georgia and Texas in Atlanta. Vikings predictions
Georgia Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson (92) punts the football against the Texas Longhorns during the first half of the SEC Championship game on Dec. 7, 2024, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Thorson handled punting duties for Georgia during the high-profile conference title matchup while showcasing the powerful leg strength that later drew NFL attention. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

1. Brett Thorson Clears

Did Thorson hold field goals and extra points in college? He did not. Is that a problem? It is.

Still, Thorson might’ve been the best punter in college football last year, depending on the eye of the beholder, and the Vikings can’t just cut a guy like that because they employ an old specialist (Johnny Hekker) who used to be really, really good.

Thorson will prove his punting talent supersedes Hekker at training camp, and special teams boss Matt Daniels will have all summer to figure out the holding situation.

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2. Vikings Sign Leonard Floyd

On April 24, the Vikings executed a trade, sending Jonathan Greenard and a 7th-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for two third-round selections (one in 2026 and one in 2027).

The deal rocked Minnesota’s OLB setup. With Greenard, Minnesota’s EDGE room boasted considerable talent. His departure leaves Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner as the primary pass rushers, but it also highlights a notable lack of depth. A single injury could quickly create a precarious situation at the position.

So, the Vikings likely need to acquire an OLB3, with free agency presenting the most apparent solution.

Floyd emerges as a strong candidate, fitting the ‘familiar face’ profile. His existing connections with Minnesota’s coaching staff are a significant advantage, particularly when pursuing free agents late in the spring. Kevin O’Connell could conceivably reach out to Floyd directly, bypassing the usual complexities of late-stage free agency negotiations.

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O’Connell and Floyd won the Super Bowl together in Los Angeles five years ago.

3. Garrett Bradbury Arrives via Trade

The New England Patriots traded Bradbury to the Chicago Bears in March for a 5th-Round pick. Six weeks later, the Bears turned around and drafted Iowa center Logan Jones, who will be 25 during the regular season. Second-round centers should start sooner rather than later, and 25-year-old 2nd-Round centers should be ready Week 1.

Garrett Bradbury stands on the sideline before a Vikings game against the Buffalo Bills. Vikings predictions
Minnesota Vikings center Garrett Bradbury (56) stands on the sideline before facing the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 13, 2022, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Bradbury prepared for another regular season start while continuing his role as the anchor of Minnesota’s offensive line during Kevin O’Connell’s first season as head coach. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

That puts Bradbury on the bench or on the trade block if Chicago doesn’t get weird with its offensive line plan.

Meanwhile, the Vikings are on track to start Blake Brandel at center, and while he might play just fine, converting a tackle turned guard turned center to a new spot rarely works out for the long haul, unless the guy is young.

Needing a better center solution, Minnesota will ship a 6th-Rounder to Chicago for Bradbury, even if trading with Chicago violates NFC North taboos.

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4. The QB1 Camp Battle Is Window Dressing

Last summer, the Vikings hosted no quarterback battle at training camp. Months later, they regretted it and even fired their general manager in January as a result.

In 2026, the club is advertising a quarterback battle, but it will be abundantly clear through a few days of training camp that the QB1 job emphatically belongs to Murray. In fact, by September 1st, folks will look back and consider the possibility of McCarthy ousting Murray from the top spot as a laughable take.

Murray is faster, more accurate, has a stronger arm, and has more experience than McCarthy. The quarterback competition won’t be a sham, but Murray will prevail with the snap of two fingers.

5. Rookie Gavin Gerhardt Emerges

Gerhardt may not start Week 1 — that’s reserved for Brandel — but by the time training camp ends, fans will have a warm and cozy feeling about Gerhardt.

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Gavin Gerhardt answers questions during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days in Frisco, Texas. Vikings predictions
Cincinnati offensive lineman Gavin Gerhardt speaks with reporters during Big 12 Football Media Days on Jul. 8, 2025, at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Gerhardt entered the spotlight as one of Cincinnati’s experienced offensive linemen while discussing expectations for the upcoming season and his development within the Bearcats’ offensive front. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

Minnesota very vividly needed a center during the draft; the coaching staff even told reporters before the event that the draft had several intriguing options. Then, the Vikings drafted zero centers until Round 7.

They seem to have big plans for Gerhardt. When the regular season rolls around, Gerhardt will either be tapped on the shoulder to start or be the immediate backup center if Brandel misses a game or two.

A to Z SportsTyler Forness noted on Gerhardt after the draft, “This is an interesting pick. Gerhardt is a four-year starter who has played 3,374 snaps for the Bearcats. He’s a decent athlete with experience at the position, and it offers the Vikings another option at center.”


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

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Naomi Osaka brings Coco Gauff, Taylor Townsend, Gaël Monfils together for 1st-ever ‘Black Party’ at French Open & reaffirms race inequality in tennis

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Ahead of the commencement of the 2026 French Open Tournament, Naomi Osaka co-hosted the first-ever ‘Black Party’ alongside Taylor Townsend. The list of attendees included Coco Gauff, Gaël Monfils, Asia Muhammad, and Chris Eubanks.

The Japanese star has frequently used her platform to voice her opinions on racial justice, diversity, and inclusion in sports. Her ‘Black Party’ is symbolic and meaningful, given it’s a rare sight. She also shared a brief message, reflecting on the time when she felt isolated because there weren’t many Black tennis players.

She further stated that since the Black players are usually underrepresented, they support and understand each other because they share similar experiences.

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“Growing up, there weren’t a lot of tennis players I could look up to that looked like me. Being a minority in a sport like tennis is very isolating but the positive is that you keep tabs on everyone that … being blunt, is black. There’s a fellowship, a camaraderie that doesn’t need words to describe. You just feel at peace knowing that there’s another person who has experienced similar things to you and you feel less alone,” the quote read.

“The black party (RG edition) 🖤 Side note: my first time ever co-hosting a dinner/party and let me tell you, no better company to share time with.”

Gauff and Townsend reacted to the glimpses of the party shared by the four-time Grand Slam champion, with the former adding a series of hearts. Townsend wrote:

“Just the beginning🖤✔️🗝️”

Screenshot of the Instagram post's comment section.Screenshot of the Instagram post's comment section.
Screenshot of the Instagram post’s comment section.

Osaka will kick off her French Open run against Laura Siegemund.

Naomi Osaka makes her feelings known about Gael Monfils retirement

 Naomi Osaka of Japan during the Gael & Friends exhibition in Paris, France (Photo by Getty Images) Naomi Osaka of Japan during the Gael & Friends exhibition in Paris, France (Photo by Getty Images)
Naomi Osaka of Japan during the Gael & Friends exhibition in Paris, France (Photo by Getty Images)

Naomi Osaka made her feelings known about Gael Monfils during the ongoing French Open. The Frenchman is expected to compete in his last Roland Garros before retiring at the end of the 2026 season. He has been a home favorite in France and has received a wildcard entry for this year’s edition.

Ahead of the main draw, the tournament arranged a farewell celebration, “Gael & Friends,” which was a star-studded affair with Osaka, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Elina Svitolina, and Alexander Zverev participating. When asked to reflect on the Frenchman’s retirement, Naomi Osaka said:

“For me, what the player represents has always been important; on the women’s side, we’ve always had Venus and Serena, so I’m very grateful to them. On the men’s side, I’ve always admired Gael and Tsonga for a long time; they were very important, obviously generating a wave of black French players that are emerging now. They were an inspiration, I know that for sure. Regarding Gael, I love his way of being, he’s a cool guy.” (via puntodebreak.com)

Monfils will take on Hugo Gaston in his first faceoff at the 2026 French Open.