Mohamed Ouahbi has announced his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking his first major international competition as manager of Morocco. The squad features a blend of established players and emerging talents, including several who currently play in European leagues.
The squad list, revealed on May 26th via the official Équipe du Maroc Twitter account, includes goalkeeper Yacine Bounou, defenders Nayef Aguerd and Achraf Hakimi, and midfielder Noussair Mazraoui. A notable inclusion is Issa Diop, who had previously indicated a preference to represent France internationally.
Among the players selected are Strasbourg’s Samir El Mourabet and Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, both rising stars in Ligue 1. Bouaddi recently reacted to his call-up, expressing his excitement about representing his country at the World Cup. Up front, Ouahbi has placed his trust in Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi.
Morocco will face a challenging group stage, drawn against Scotland, Haiti, and Brazil. The team reached the semi-finals of the previous World Cup, and will be hoping to replicate that success. The appointment of Ouahbi follows the departure of Walid Regragui, and signals a new chapter for Moroccan football. This squad selection indicates Ouahbi’s intention to build on the foundations laid by his predecessor while integrating fresh talent into the national team setup. The inclusion of players like El Mourabet and Bouaddi suggests a focus on developing young players and providing them with opportunities on the biggest stage.
The Moroccan Football Federation is hoping this blend of experience and youth will propel them through a difficult group and into the knockout stages of the tournament. The team’s performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they attempt to make a significant impact on the global stage.
