How many times have Morocco played at the World Cup as Chelsea misfit aims to impress

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Ahead of the 2022 tournament in Qatar, HITC Sport takes a look at how many times Morocco have played at the FIFA World Cup.

Morocco head to Qatar as the 22nd best team in the world according to FIFA’s World Rankings system.

They face a tough group when the tournament kicks off though with Croatia, Belgium and Canada in Group F.

It all starts on November 23rd for Morocco as they host Croatia in Al Khor and some big names will be involved.

Achraf Hakimi will be the star attraction but Hakim Ziyech is back in contention after an international exile, whilst Queens Park Rangers ace Ilias Chair should be on the plane.

Other notable names like Romain Saiss, Noussair Mazraoui, Amine Harit and Youssef En-Nesyri are also set to make the trip to Qatar with Morocco looking to cause a few shocks.

How many times have Morocco played at the World Cup?

This will be Morocco’s sixth appearance at the World Cup and their second in a row.

Morocco boycotted the 1966 World Cup in England in protest against FIFA not offering a direct qualification route for African teams.

Four years later, Morocco had their first qualification secured as they featured in Mexico 1970, but were dumped out in the group stage with just one point from three games against West Germany, Peru and Bulgaria.

Morocco then had to wait 16 years for their next appearance, once again in Mexico, and this time they reached the round of 16 having topped their group with draws against England and Poland before beating Portugal.

After missing out on Italia 90, Morocco returned for USA 94 and France 98 but were knocked out in the group stage of both.

20 years passed before Morocco returned again as they appeared in Russia back in 2018, but picked up just one point from three games as they flattered to deceive.

Now back once again under newly-appointed coach Walid Regragui, Morocco will hope to at least match their 1986 record by getting out of their group.

That won’t be easy but they were strong in qualifying, meaning The Atlas Lions have hope in Qatar.