FIFA Ranking: Morocco Maintains 13th Position Worldwide

The Tunisians opened the scoring through Yahya Jlidi in the 28th minute of play, before Ilian Hadidi scored the equalizer in the 76th minute.

The first friendly match will see the national team face Burundi this May 26 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, behind closed doors, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced in a press release on Tuesday.

Achraf Hakimi’s teammates will then play against Madagascar on June 2 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, starting at 6:00 PM, the FRMF specified.

The final match will pit the Atlas Lions against Norway on June 7 at the Red Bull Arena in New York, United States, at 3:00 PM local time.

Morocco has been drawn alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C of the 2026 World Cup.

“New Jersey is thrilled to welcome Morocco, and the rest of the world, for the 2026 World Cup,” which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Governor stated during a joint press conference with Morocco’s Ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani.

The base camp dedicated to the “Atlas Lions”- who will compete in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti- will be established at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge, located approximately one hour’s drive from New York City.

“We are particularly honored” that the Moroccan team- to the great delight of the Moroccan community residing in New Jersey- decided “to make our state their ‘home away from home’ this summer,” Sherrill cherished before an audience of journalists and young athletes from the greater New York area.

Founded in 1861, The Pingry School previously served as a training site for the Italian national team during the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The “Miller Bugliari ’52 World Cup Field”- the home stadium for Pingry’s soccer team- has long served as a training venue for numerous clubs, particularly European ones such as AC Milan, Juventus, Manchester United, and Liverpool.

Renovated in 2025, this facility now features two international-standard grass pitches, modern amenities, and a sports center designed for high-performance training.

In addition to Morocco, three other national teams have chosen to establish their base camps in New Jersey- namely Brazil, Haiti, and Senegal- the Governor added during the conference, which was also attended by Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York and New Jersey World Cup Host Committee.

According to Governor Sherrill, the decision to choose New Jersey underscores the state-of-the-art quality of the sports infrastructure made available to national football teams in the State.

Referring to the centuries-old relations between Morocco and the United States, the Governor recalled that the Kingdom was the first nation to recognize America’s independence, adding that the two countries are preparing to celebrate this summer the 250th anniversary of a historic friendship and a strategic alliance.

“Playing in a World Cup with Morocco would be the fulfillment of a childhood dream,” Zakaria El Ouahdi said in an interview published Saturday by the Belgian daily HBVL, while acknowledging that competition for a place in the national team remains “extremely strong.”

“Achraf Hakimi is the best right-back in the world, Noussair Mazraoui plays for Manchester United, and Omar El Hilali of Espanyol is also a very high-level player,” he explained, noting that national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi also has several options on the left flank, including Salah-Eddine of PSV and El Karouani of Utrecht.

Recently called up to the senior national team, the 23-year-old Zakaria El Ouahdi made his first appearance in a friendly game against Paraguay at the end of March, hoping he “made a good impression.”

Having previously played for youth national teams, he won the U23 Africa Cup of Nations under Issame Charaï, an experience he describes as decisive in his international career and in strengthening his attachment to the Moroccan jersey.

As upcoming fixtures approach, the defender stresses the need to keep improving and to “prove he is in form,” despite an outstanding season with KRC Genk, marked by 11 goals and 3 assists in 37 matches.

Zakaria El Ouahdi was named Belgian Lion 2025, an award recognizing the best player of Maghreb origin playing in Belgium’s top division.

This friendly match is part of Morocco’s national team preparations for the final phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said in a statement.

Kick-off for this match is scheduled at 8:00 p.m. (Morocco time), according to the same source.

Having joined AS Roma in July 2025 from RC Lens for a fee of around €25 million, El Aynaoui signed a five-year contract with the Italian club. However, the current context could pave the way for a move as early as this summer, the same source notes.

Marca also recalled the player’s unique career path as the son of former tennis star Younes El Aynaoui, yet having opted for football under the influence of Andrés Iniesta’s playing style. Known for his strong technical ability and high work rate, he has established himself as a key figure in Morocco’s midfield.

Considered among the pillars of Morocco’s national team, reigning African champions, Neil El Aynaoui is looking to the 2026 World Cup to confirm his status and take his career to the next level, the Spanish newspaper adds.

According to Marca, the player, described as “tireless” and “elegant on the ball,” is among the most sought-after midfielders in European football.