Morocco’s New Dawn: Ouahbi Charts Course for 2026 World Cup
Rabat, Morocco — A fresh chapter has officially begun for Moroccan football. New head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has unveiled his inaugural squad, signaling a clear strategic vision ahead of crucial friendlies against Ecuador (March 27 in Madrid) and Paraguay (March 31 in Lens). Taking the reins from the esteemed Walid Regragui, Ouahbi’s selections offer a compelling glimpse into his philosophy: a meticulous blend of seasoned experience and vibrant youth, all geared towards forging Morocco’s formidable next generation.
These European encounters are more than just warm-up matches; they represent a vital proving ground for Ouahbi to assess his new-look Atlas Lions in competitive action, laying the groundwork for the demanding 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Squad: A Strategic Mix
Ouahbi’s first roster is a testament to his balanced approach, featuring a robust core of veteran leaders alongside an exciting influx of promising young talent. Many of these emerging stars have already distinguished themselves within Morocco’s U20 setup, hinting at a seamless transition to senior international football. Notably, five fresh faces are set to earn their very first senior national team call-ups, injecting new energy and ambition into the squad.
Goalkeepers
- Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal FC)
- El Mehdi El Harrar (Raja)
- El Mehdi Benabid (Wydad)
Defenders
- Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United)
- Zakaria El Ouahdi (KRC Genk)
- Issa Diop (Fulham F.C.)
- Ismaël Baouf (SC Cambuur)
- Redouane Halhal (KV Mechelen)
- Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal (Stade Rennais)
- Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace)
- Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven)
- Souffian El Karouani (FC Utrecht)
Midfielders
- Azzedine Ounahi (Panathinaïkos)
- Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven)
- Bilal El Khannouss (Leicester City)
- Neil El Aynaoui (RC Lens)
- Oussama Targhalline (Le Havre AC)
- Samir El Mourabet (RC Strasbourg)
- Mohamed Rabie Hrimat (AS FAR)
Forwards
- Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid)
- Ayb El Kaabi (Olympiakos)
- Soufiane Rahimi (Al-Ain)
- Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis)
- Amine Adli (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Mohamed Yassir Zabiri (Stade Rennais)
- Yassine Gessime (RC Strasbourg)
- Chemsedine Talbi (Club Bruges)
A Bold Bet on Youth and Strategic Experience
Mohamed Ouahbi’s selections underscore a clear intent: to refresh the national team while retaining vital experience, all with an eye firmly on future success. The most significant inclusion is undoubtedly Fulham FC’s Issa Diop. At 29, with a wealth of Premier League experience, Diop, who previously represented France at youth level, has chosen to pledge his senior international allegiance to Morocco. His arrival is perfectly timed to bolster a defense undergoing a transition following the departure of stalwart Romain Saïss.
Ouahbi has also demonstrated faith in players he knows intimately from the U20 squad that triumphed at the 2025 World Cup in Chile against Argentina. Among these rising stars is 19-year-old Ismaël Baouf of SC Cambuur, whose six goals this season are remarkable for a defender, showcasing his composure and quality. Another promising 19-year-old, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal (Stade Rennais), already boasts Ligue 1 experience and is noted for his comfort on the ball and attacking instincts, a product of the prestigious Mohammed VI Football Academy.
Redouane Halhal, a 23-year-old from Yellow Red KV Mechelen, also earns his senior call-up after a consistent season featuring a goal and two assists. His physical prowess and tactical positioning, honed across clubs in France, Spain, and the Netherlands, make him a valuable defensive asset.
In the attacking third, Mohamed Yassir Zabiri, a 21-year-old Stade Rennais striker, stands out. Already Morocco U20’s all-time leading scorer with 19 goals, Zabiri’s World Cup performances hinted at his potential to be the prolific number nine the Atlas Lions have been seeking. Completing the new attacking options is Yassine Gessime of RC Strasbourg, whose two goals and six assists this season highlight his speed and directness, offering dynamic width to Ouahbi’s offensive strategies.
In essence, Ouahbi’s initial squad is a clear declaration of intent: a commitment to nurturing young talent, strategically integrating experienced campaigners, and meticulously crafting the next formidable iteration of the Moroccan national team.
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