In an exciting announcement, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has revealed Morocco’s 26-man squad for the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup. As the nation gears up for this prestigious tournament, Ouahbi has decided to place his trust in several key players whose performances have been pivotal in securing Morocco's place on the world stage. Among these standout athletes are Achraf Hakimi, known for his exceptional defensive skills and speed, and Yassine Bounou, the goalkeeper whose remarkable saves have kept Morocco in the game time and again.
This squad features not only the stalwarts of the team but also fresh faces that could make a significant impact on the field. New additions such as Ayyoub Bouaddi and Issa Diop bring a blend of youth and experience, while the inclusion of Zakaria El Ouahdi and Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab adds an element of surprise and intrigue to the lineup. These selections indicate Ouahbi's strategy of balancing seasoned veterans with emerging talent, aiming to enhance the team's competitiveness on the global stage.
However, the squad announcement did come with some notable absences that fans have been quick to discuss. Notably, key players such as Sofiane Boufal, Youssef En-Nesyri, and the talented Hakim Ziyech will not be part of this year's journey, which raises questions about the team's dynamics and adaptability in their absence. The coaching staff will need to devise strategies to fill the gaps left by these prominent players as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Here is the complete breakdown of Morocco’s 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal), Munir Kajoui (Rennaissance de Berkane), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (FAR Rabat)
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven), Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly SC), Issa Diop (Fulham), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace), Zakaria El Ouahdi (KRC Genk), Redouane Halhal (Mechelen), Nayef Aguerd (OM)
Midfielders: Neil El Aynaoui (Roma), Azzedine Ounahi (Girona), Ismaël Saibari (PSV Eindhoven), Balil El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg), Sofyan Amrabat (Betis), Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille)
Forwards: Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiakos), Abde Ezzalzouli (Betis), Soufiane Rahimi (Al-Ain), Gessime Yassine (Strasbourg), Ayoube Amaimouni (Eintracht Frankfurt), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland)
As reported by sports.yahoo.com.
