Morocco team arrives in US ahead of FIFA World Cup campaign
New York, June 4
The Morocco football team has arrived in the United States ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, stating that the squad has "touched down" and is ready to play the tournament, which is set to take place from June 12 to July 20 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Morocco will begin its World Cup Group C campaign against Brazil in New Jersey on June 13, before facing Scotland in Boston six days later. The team will then conclude its group-stage fixtures against Haiti in Miami on June 24.
"Our lions just touched down on soil -- and it's time to play. It's time for 40 million Moroccan hearts to roar behind our. One nation, one dream, one team," Morocco wrote in an X post.
Four years ago, Morocco made history by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the FIFA World Cup semifinals in Qatar, eliminating Spain and Portugal along the way before narrowly losing to France.
They now enter the 2026 edition with another strong squad, aiming to replicate, or surpass, their remarkable 2022 campaign.
Meanwhile, FIFA has confirmed a record-breaking participation for the upcoming showpiece event, with final squad lists revealing 1,248 players from 48 nations set to compete in the expanded global tournament.
With just a few days remaining until kick-off, the latest figures underline the unprecedented scale of the competition, which will feature more teams, players and matches than any previous edition of the marquee event, as per the FIFA Website.
Argentina are the reigning champion of the World Cup after winning the 2022 marquee tournament in Qatar.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm excited for the expanded 48-team format, but honestly it dilutes the quality a bit. Morocco vs. Haiti? That's not a World Cup match. Still, Wales and Scotland deserve their shot. Just hope we don't see too many 8-0 scorelines.
As a football fan in India, it's amazing to see African teams getting this recognition. ❤️ Morocco's semifinal run inspired so many kids back home. But I wonder if they can handle the pressure of being called a 'dark horse' again. Scotland will be tough—they're physical and organised.
"One nation, one dream, one team" — that's some serious marketing. But Morocco's squad is legit: Ziyech, Hakimi, En-Nesyri. If they stay disciplined like 2022, they could top Group C. Brazil will be a test of their mettle. 🦁
I still remember watching Morocco's quarterfinal against Portugal in 2022—my dad and I were shouting at 2 AM! 😅 That was the most magical moment for any neutral fan. But now expectations will be higher. I just hope they don't get overconfident. Scotland won't be a walk in the park.
Rooting for Morocco again! 🇲🇦 Their style is so refreshing—compact defence and swift counters. But I hope FIFA uses this expanded tournament to give smaller nations a real platform, not just padding for the big teams. Good luck to the Atlas Lions!
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