Morocco
Morocco arrive as the breakout story of the modern era, the first African nation to reach a tournament semi-final after their stunning 2022 run that ended only against eventual champions France. Walid Regragui, the architect of that miracle, remains in charge. Achraf Hakimi (PSG) drives the right flank with a balance of pace and tactical maturity rarely seen at full-back. Hakim Ziyech provides creativity from the wing; Sofyan Amrabat is the metronome; goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal) is one of the world's best between the posts. Group C with Brazil, Haiti and Scotland is winnable; second place would set up an intriguing knockout path. The Atlas Lions are no longer underdogs.