Morocco's World Cup Preparation Takes Shape with an Unexpected Roster
The head coach of the Moroccan national football team, Mohamed Ouahbi, has unveiled an intriguing list of 28 players selected for the upcoming training camp in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. This announcement, made on Thursday, highlights several notable absences among key players, while also introducing a number of fresh faces and surprises that are sure to generate excitement among fans.
As Morocco gears up for its journey towards the 2026 World Cup, the designated training period will officially commence on Friday, May 22. The selected squad will gather at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, where they will prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Among the most anticipated names on the roster is Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has recently committed to representing Morocco. Alongside him, the list features several newcomers, including young goalkeepers Yanis Benchaouchi from AS Monaco and Ibrahim Gomis from Olympique de Marseille, as well as Othmane Maamma, the MVP of the recent U20 World Cup. Other first-time call-ups include Ayoub Amaimouni-Echghouyab from Eintracht Frankfurt, Soufiane El-Faouzi of FC Schalke 04, Tawfik Bentayeb, the top scorer in the French Ligue 2 from Troyes, and local talent Soufiane Benjdida from MAS Fès.
Returning Players and Promising Young Talents
Among the returning players, Soufiane Boufal makes his comeback to the squad after a successful six-month stint at Havre, alongside Imran Louza, who has not been called up since June 2023. Marouane Saadane and Soufiane Bouftini, who have primarily participated in the A’ team, also return, adding depth to the squad. Key regulars such as Ayoub El Kaabi, Ismael Saibari, Munir El Kajoui, Anass Salahdine, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, and Oussama Targhalline will join the training camp alongside newer talents like Samir El Mourabet, Yassine Gessime, Ismaël Baouf, Rayane Bouinda, and Yassir Zabiri, who made their debuts in March and are eager to secure their places in the final squad.
Additionally, players such as El Mehdi Al Harrar, Youssef Belammari, Souffian El Karouani, and Mohamed Chibi, who are vying for a spot in the World Cup roster, will also be present, looking to make a lasting impression during the training camp.
However, several key players will be absent from this initial gathering, either due to the need for rest or ongoing commitments with their respective clubs. Stars like Brahim Diaz, Achraf Hakimi, Bilal El Khannouss, Yassine Bounou, Ez Abde, Nayef Aguerd, and Azzedine Ounahi will join the team at a later stage. This absence raises questions about the status of other players, including Youssef En-Nesyri, who was omitted in March, and Sofyan Amrabat, Zakaria El Ouahdi, and Chadi Riad, who are currently dealing with injuries. The situation also remains uncertain for Jawad El-Yamiq, Sofiane Diop, and Adam Masina, while hopes appear dim for Hakim Ziyech's return to the squad.
To conclude this training stage, Morocco is set to face Burundi in a closed-door friendly match on May 26. Following this, the definitive squad for the World Cup, as announced by Mohamed Ouahbi, is expected to be revealed shortly thereafter.
As reported by afrik-foot.com.
