Morocco leave out 2022 World Cup hero Youssef En-Nesyri as Ouahbi names definitive 26-man squad for 2026 World Cup
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has unveiled his definitive 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the shock omission of striker Youssef En-Nesyri — the man whose iconic header against Portugal sent the Atlas Lions into the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup — emerging as the biggest talking point from the final selection.
Morocco will head to North America with a squad blending proven experience and youthful promise as they seek to build on their historic run in Qatar, where they became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
The squad announcement, made on Tuesday, comes less than three weeks before Morocco begin their World Cup campaign in North America, where the tournament will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.
This will mark Ouahbi’s first major tournament in charge of the senior national team, and the Moroccan tactician has opted for continuity while introducing fresh faces capable of injecting energy into the squad.
Several key figures from Morocco’s recent campaigns retain their places, including goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, captain Achraf Hakimi, defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd, as well as midfield stalwarts Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi. Creative force Brahim Díaz also headlines the attacking options.
Ouahbi has also placed his trust in a younger generation expected to shoulder greater responsibility, with players such as Neil El Aynaoui, Ismael Saibari, Bilal El Khannouss and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli all included.
Among the most notable decisions is the inclusion of Aguerd despite his recent spell on the sidelines through injury, with the coaching staff confident he can regain full fitness in time for the competition.
In contrast, the omission of striker Youssef En-Nesyri has emerged as one of the biggest talking points, given his significant role in Morocco’s recent international successes.
One of the headline additions is highly-rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Lille youngster, who previously represented France at youth level, recently committed his international future to Morocco and is now set for his first major senior tournament. Defender Issa Diop has also earned a place, further strengthening a competitive defensive unit.
Morocco have been drawn in Group C, where they will begin their campaign against Brazil on June 13 in New Jersey. They will then face Scotland on June 19 in Boston before concluding the group stage against Haiti on June 24 in Miami.
After their historic run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Atlas Lions will once again carry the hopes of a nation eager to see them shine on football’s biggest stage.
Morocco’s 26-man World Cup squad
Goalkeepers:
Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti
Defenders:
Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Anass Salah-Eddine, Youssef Belammari, Nayef Aguerd, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Redouane Halhal, Zakaria El Ouahdi
Midfielders:
Azzedine Ounahi, Neil El Aynaoui, Sofyan Amrabat, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Samir El Mourabet, Bilal El Khannouss, Ismael Saibari
Forwards:
Brahim Díaz, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Yassine Gessime, Chemsdine Talbi, Soufiane Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi, Ayoub Amaimouni
