Mohamed Ouahbi's European Tour for World Cup Preparations
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, Moroccan national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi is ramping up his scouting efforts across Europe. With just 46 days remaining until the tournament kicks off, Ouahbi has set his sights on Germany, where he is closely evaluating the performances of several dual nationals. His objective is to refine his squad choices and finalize the profiles of potential players who could enhance the Moroccan roster for the upcoming World Cup.
Key Players Under Observation
During his recent trip to Germany, Ouahbi focused on observing four key players, as reported by the specialized outlet Lion Times. Among them is Bilal El Khannouss, a promising midfielder from VfB Stuttgart, who has already made a significant impact on the national team and played a key role in the recent African Cup of Nations (AFCON). El Khannouss's strong performance in a recent match against Werder Bremen further solidifies his position as a likely candidate for selection.
Additionally, Ouahbi is keeping a close eye on the dynamic duo from Eintracht Frankfurt: Ayoube Amaimouni and Younes Ebnoutalib. Amaimouni, who has been steadily earning his spot as a starter, showcased his skills in a recent encounter against Augsburg. In contrast, Ebnoutalib, a center-forward, is still in the early stages of his professional career and has yet to make a substantial impact on the pitch.
However, the standout revelation of this scouting trip is Soufiane El-Faouzi, currently with Schalke 04. At just 23 years old, El-Faouzi has established himself as a vital player in the Bundesliga 2, boasting an impressive record of two goals and five assists this season. His aggressive playing style and technical proficiency make him an intriguing prospect for the Moroccan national team. Despite being born in Germany and never having been called up for either Morocco or the German youth teams, his recent rise in form has positioned him as a potential new addition to Ouahbi's squad.
While it may be premature to expect El-Faouzi to secure a spot in the final World Cup roster due to the stiff competition in Morocco's midfield, his initial engagement with the national team signifies a strategic move that could pay dividends in the future.
As reported by afrik-foot.com.
