The energy in Casablanca right now is just different. You can feel it in the cafes, the markets, and basically every street corner where a kid has a ball at their feet. If you’re trying to keep up with the Morocco national team schedule, honestly, you’ve picked the wildest year to do it. We are currently sitting in the middle of January 2026, and the Atlas Lions are about to play the biggest game on African soil since, well, probably their own historic World Cup run in Qatar.
Just yesterday, Morocco edged out Nigeria in a penalty shootout that had everyone’s heart in their throat. Now, the stage is set for a massive showdown.
The Immediate Horizon: AFCON 2025 Finals
Right now, the focus is entirely on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, which is actually being played right now in January 2026 due to the previous calendar shifts. If you’re looking for the next time the Lions step onto the pitch, here is the big one.
Sunday, January 18, 2026: Senegal vs. Morocco
This is the Final. It’s happening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM local time. After that grueling 0-0 draw (4-2 on pens) against Nigeria in the semi-finals, Walid Regragui’s men have a chance to lift the trophy in front of a home crowd. It’s sort of a "destiny" moment for this generation.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup
Once the dust settles from the AFCON trophy hunt, the focus shifts globally. Morocco isn't just a guest at the party anymore; they are a headliner. The draw for the 2026 World Cup has already placed them in Group C, and the travel agents in Marrakech are already booked solid.
The Morocco national team schedule for the summer in North America is brutal but exciting.
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Group C Match Dates
- June 13, 2026: Brazil vs. Morocco This is the opener. It’s being played at the MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey) at 6:00 PM ET. Opening your World Cup campaign against Brazil is basically the ultimate "welcome to the big leagues" moment.
- June 19, 2026: Scotland vs. Morocco
The Lions head to Boston (Gillette Stadium) for this one. Kickoff is also at 6:00 PM ET. This feels like the "swing" game. Scotland is tough, but Morocco has the technical edge. - June 24, 2026: Morocco vs. Haiti
The final group game takes place in Atlanta at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 6:00 PM ET again. On paper, this is the most winnable, but we all know how the final group day goes—pure chaos.
Why the Schedule is So Packed
You might be wondering why there's a World Cup and an AFCON in the same six-month span. Basically, CAF (the African football governing body) had to move the 2025 tournament to late December 2025/January 2026 to avoid a heatwave and scheduling conflicts with the new FIFA Club World Cup.
What this means for the players—Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, Azzedine Ounahi—is virtually zero rest. They’ve gone from high-intensity European club football straight into a home AFCON, and in just a few months, they’ll be crossing the Atlantic for the World Cup. It's a lot.
The Brahim Díaz Factor
People keep asking how the lineup will change between now and June. Brahim Díaz has been a revelation since switching his allegiance to Morocco. His goal against Tanzania in the Round of 16 of this AFCON showed exactly why he’s the creative spark they needed. Expect him to be the centerpiece of the Morocco national team schedule throughout the summer.
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Nuance and Realities
It’s easy to look at the fixtures and assume Morocco cruises through. But there’s a nuance most fans miss. The domestic pressure of playing AFCON at home is heavy. We saw it with Ivory Coast in the previous edition; the emotional toll is massive. If they win on Sunday against Senegal, the momentum going into the Brazil game in June will be terrifying for their opponents. If they lose, Regragui will have to do a massive psychological rebuild in a very short window.
Also, don't forget the WAFCON (Women's Africa Cup of Nations). Morocco is hosting that too, starting March 17, 2026. The women's schedule is just as vital for the country's footballing identity, with a huge "North African Derby" against Algeria scheduled for the group stages.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're planning to follow the team, don't wait.
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- Tickets for the World Cup: The Brazil vs. Morocco match in New Jersey is already one of the highest-demand tickets for the opening week. Check the FIFA portal daily for resale drops.
- Travel Prep: If you’re heading to the US/Canada/Mexico, remember that the travel distances between Boston and Atlanta are no joke. Book your domestic flights early.
- Final Viewing: For this Sunday's AFCON final, if you aren't in Rabat, find a local Moroccan cafe. The atmosphere will be better than any sports bar.
The journey from the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to the MetLife Stadium is the most important stretch in Moroccan football history. Stay tuned to the official CAF and FIFA portals for any last-minute kickoff time shifts, as TV rights often shuffle things by 30 minutes or so at the last second.
The Atlas Lions are no longer the underdogs; they are the standard.
Next Steps for You: Check your passport validity if you're planning on the June trip to the States, and keep an eye on the injury report for Sofyan Amrabat following the semi-final clash—his presence in the midfield for the final against Senegal is still "touch and go" according to local reports.