Morocco’s National Team: The Future Is Theirs

Morocco had dreamed of a historic achievement during its 2026 World Cup campaign before being eliminated in the quarter-finals by France.

But despite the painful defeat against Didier Deschamps’ side, Mohamed Ouahbi’s players won widespread admiration by extending the momentum built during the previous edition.

This also means that the coach is likely to rely on this core group as Morocco heads toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, to be held next year in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

The Atlas Lions’ next training camp is scheduled for Monday, September 21, at the Mohammed VI Complex in Salé, as they prepare for the opening two qualifying matches in a group featuring Gabon, Niger, and Lesotho.

In reality, their place in the group stage appears almost guaranteed. However, Mohamed Ouahbi can still keep competition alive within the squad.

The unexpected emergence of certain players and the decline in form of others can always reshape a national team. That is the nature of international football. Nevertheless, the core group on which the coach will rely already appears to be taking shape.

A No. 3 spot up for grabs among the goalkeepers

Yassine Bounou is undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in Moroccan history, and there is no reason to speak of him in the past tense, especially as reports have linked him with a move to a top European club during the summer transfer window.

Munir El Kajoui is expected to remain his backup, provided the former Renaissance Sportive de Berkane goalkeeper finds a club and maintains his competitive level. He is currently a free agent.

Holding the No. 3 spot thanks to both his qualities and his remarkable character, El Mehdi Al Harrar will once again face competition from Yanis Benchaouch, who has just signed for Red Star in Ligue 2.

A call-up to the senior national team for Benchaouch will depend on his role and performances at the Parisian club.

A defense that should remain largely unchanged

The Atlas Lions entered the 2026 World Cup with two established internationals on the flanks of their defense, and there is little indication that Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui will be stepping away anytime soon.

On the left side, competition remains far from reaching the highest standards. Beyond Soufiane El Karouani, Anass Salah-Eddine has yet to fully establish himself, while Youssef Belammari has not had the opportunity to prove himself.

Both players, however, remain among the coach’s preferred backup options. This could remain the case while waiting for the emergence of Fouad Zahouani at Ajax Amsterdam, where he signed a contract until 2029 after joining from Union Touarga for €500,000.

In central defense, Issa Diop has established himself as one of the pillars of the back line. He will be part of the squad in September, as will Chadi Riad, whose promising future with the national team will also depend on his playing time at Crystal Palace and, above all, his physical condition.

In theory, Issa Diop should partner with one of the notable absentees from the World Cup, Nayef Aguerd. His return is unlikely to work in favor of Redouane Halhal, who has dropped down the coach’s pecking order, or Marwane Saâdane.

Both players will have to contend with the competition from a rejuvenated Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal.

A midfield that remains highly competitive

In midfield, Neil El Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Samir El Mourabet represent both the present and the future.

In an extremely competitive area of the squad, Azzedine Ounahi has become indispensable. However, his club situation will be closely monitored by the national team’s technical staff. There is still little chance of him missing the September window.

Sofyan Amrabat no longer enjoys the same status. Once an undisputed starter four years ago, he is now a substitute. Yet this change in hierarchy is unlikely to discourage him.

He will, however, need a strong start to the season to remain in contention. His next club move could also play a role.

Meanwhile, Bilal El Khannouss has strengthened his global reputation after his outstanding performances in a left midfield role, where he replaced Abdessamad Ezzalzouli. He now deserves an opportunity to operate as a No. 10.

Additional firepower in attack

This is the area that has undergone the most changes since Mohamed Ouahbi took charge. Players such as Brahim Diaz and his younger teammates appear set to remain part of the squad, particularly Gessime Yassine and Chemsdine Talbi.

Although the latter did not have the World Cup he had hoped for following Abdessamad Ezzalzouli’s knee injury, that setback should not prevent the Sevilla FC player from returning to the squad. Alongside him, Othmane Maama also remains an option, at least because of his individual qualities.

After a prolific group stage, Ismaïl Saibari has every reason to believe he can challenge for a starting role in attack, especially if Hamza Igamane manages to complete his return to form.

Behind them, Soufiane Rahimi has emerged as a reliable option, primarily as a super-sub. Among the potential returnees, Yassir Zabiri could also make a comeback.

Although his omission may have disappointed him, he has wisely avoided burning bridges through public comments about his future.

However, his return will depend on his integration at Rennes or another club where he can secure more playing time. If he shines, as many players have done before him, he could make the step up from the U-23s to the senior national team.