Morocco–Brazil: Five new starters expected for 2026 World Cup opener

Morocco will begin its 2026 World Cup campaign against Brazil with a squad heavily revamped from the one that played in the Africa Cup of Nations final last January. Under new manager Mohamed Ouahbi, the Atlas Lions are expected to field five players who were not starters in that last major tournament.

In goal, Yassine Bounou retains his place, as do fullbacks Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui. The most radical change comes in central defence: Nayef Aguerd’s absence forces Ouahbi to rely on young Chadi Riad (22, Crystal Palace) and Issa Diop, who recently opted for the Moroccan national team.

In midfield, Ayyoub Bouaddi, who officially confirmed his choice to represent Morocco for this World Cup, should form a trio with Neil El Aynaoui and Azzedine Ounahi. The latter missed the end of the Africa Cup of Nations through injury, ceding his place to Bilal El Khannouss for the final against Senegal.

In attack, Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari have retained the new manager’s confidence. Soufiane Rahimi should complete the attacking trio, replacing Ayoub El Kaabi, who started up front in the Africa Cup of Nations final. Abde Ez is ruled out for the entire tournament.

Morocco’s probable lineup against Brazil (source: Le360)

Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou. Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (C), Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Noussair Mazraoui. Midfielders: Neil El Aynaoui, Azzedine Ounahi, Ayyoub Bouaddi. Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Ismael Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi.