A. El Kaabi

Morocco arrive at the 2026 World Cup carrying the momentum of their historic semi-final run in 2022, when they became the first African nation to reach the last four. The Atlas Lions have already announced their 26-man squad ahead of the tournament. Our AI model frames them as outside contenders rather than favourites: a 1.3% chance of lifting the trophy, a 4.5% likelihood of reaching the final and a 12.8% probability of returning to the semi-finals, figures that respect their pedigree without overstating it.

The attacking unit blends youth and Europe-tested quality. Ismael Saibari has been outstanding for PSV Eindhoven with 15 goals and 8 assists at a 7.21 rating, while Abde Ezzalzouli (10 goals, 8 assists, 7.32) and full-back Souffian El Karouani, who has 12 assists from Utrecht and a matching 7.32 rating, give the side genuine creativity from wide areas. Up front, Ayoub El Kaabi has plundered 18 goals for Olympiakos, providing the cutting edge Morocco need. The standout statistically is Saibari, a midfielder contributing both goals and assists at the highest level.

Drawn into Group C, Morocco will face a notable early test against Brazil, who count them as a first-round rival. Progression from the group looks attainable given their depth and organisation. Realistically, the model suggests a quarter-final or semi-final ceiling is their plausible peak; matching 2022 would again be a triumph, and lifting the trophy remains a long shot.