Morocco's Final World Cup Squad Confirmed: En-Nesyri and Boufal Out, Hakimi Leads Atlas Lions to MetLife

By WorldCup.NYC Editorial — May 26, 2026

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed the Atlas Lions' final 26 on Tuesday. Hakimi, Bounou, and Amrabat are in. En-Nesyri and Boufal are out. Morocco face Brazil at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13 — the first MetLife match of the tournament.

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi officially unveiled his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, ending weeks of speculation about which players from the 2022 semi-final generation would make the cut. The announcement, made at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, confirms a group that blends the experience of Qatar 2022 with younger talent — while delivering two significant omissions that will dominate the pre-tournament conversation.

Morocco enter the tournament ranked 8th in the FIFA world rankings — the highest-ranked African side — and as reigning CAF champions. They open Group C against Brazil on June 13 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, making them one of the first teams fans in the region will see in person.

The Full Squad

The Big Omissions

Youssef En-Nesyri

The most surprising cut is Youssef En-Nesyri, who was a central figure in Morocco's historic run to the 2022 semi-finals and remained a consistent presence under the previous coaching staff. Ouahbi, who took over from Walid Regragui in March, has clearly decided to move in a different direction up front. En-Nesyri's omission represents the most significant generational break in this squad.

Sofiane Boufal

Sofiane Boufal — whose emotional moments during the 2022 World Cup became iconic images of Morocco's run — also misses out. The Le Havre winger was a fan favorite and played a meaningful role in Qatar, making his absence from the final 26 one of the more difficult calls Ouahbi has had to make.

Who to Watch

Achraf Hakimi remains the undisputed leader of this side. The PSG right back is one of the best players at his position in world football, and Morocco's ability to create and threaten in transition runs directly through him. His World Cup record speaks for itself: he was one of the standout players in Qatar, and he arrives in 2026 with even more experience and confidence.

Nayef Aguerd is included despite not being fully recovered from injury. Ouahbi has given the Marseille defender the chance to prove his fitness before the tournament begins — a calculated gamble given his importance to Morocco's defensive structure. Brahim Díaz, the Real Madrid forward with Moroccan international eligibility, gives Ouahbi a technically gifted option in attacking areas.

Morocco's Path Through New York New Jersey Stadium

Morocco are in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland. Their opening match — Brazil vs. Morocco on June 13 at New York New Jersey Stadium — is one of the marquee fixtures of the entire group stage and the first MetLife match of the tournament. It will be the most watched game played in the region before the knockout rounds begin.

Morocco also play their pre-tournament friendlies against Madagascar on June 2 and Norway on June 7 before the competition begins.

Morocco's Group C Schedule