Morocco’s national football team has emerged as the sole Arab representative in a newly released global ranking of the most valuable squads set to compete during the March international break, highlighting its growing stature on the world stage ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The list, compiled by Transfermarkt, ranks 20 national teams based on the combined market value of players selected for upcoming international friendlies. Morocco occupies 15th place with a total squad value of €432 million, underlining its competitive standing among elite footballing nations.
The March break serves as a key preparatory window for teams aiming to fine-tune their squads ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The fixtures come less than three months before the tournament begins, offering national teams a crucial opportunity to assess tactics and player readiness.
While several Arab nations have secured qualification for the upcoming World Cup—seven in total, marking a record figure .Morocco is the only one to feature in this particular ranking. That number could still rise if Iraq progresses through the intercontinental play-offs.
At the top of the list sits England, boasting a squad value of €1.62 billion under the guidance of German coach Thomas Tuchel. France follows in second place with €1.41 billion, while Spain ranks third at €1.31 billion. Portugal completes the top four with a valuation of €865 million, ahead of Italy and Brazil in fifth and sixth positions respectively.
Morocco’s inclusion reflects both its recent performances and the rising profile of its players in European club football. Leading the squad in market value is Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi, estimated at €80 million, making him the most valuable player in the Moroccan lineup.
During the international window, Morocco is scheduled to face Ecuador on 27 March before taking on Paraguay on 31 March. These fixtures are expected to provide the Atlas Lions with meaningful competition as they build towards the World Cup campaign.
The team’s current momentum follows a controversial conclusion to the recent Africa Cup of Nations. Although Morocco lost the final to Senegal by a single goal, the title was later awarded to the Atlas Lions after tournament organisers cited transgressions during the match. The decision marked Morocco’s first continental triumph in 50 years.
Attention is now turning to the World Cup draw, which has placed Morocco in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti and Scotland. The team enters the tournament with high expectations, aiming to replicate—or surpass—their historic run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they finished fourth, becoming the first Arab and African nation to reach the semi-finals.
As preparations intensify, Morocco’s presence in the global top 20 offers a clear signal of its ambitions, not only to compete but to remain a leading force among both Arab and international footballing nations.
