Mohamed Ouahbi Unveils Morocco Preliminary Squad As Atlas Lions Begin World Cup Preparations
Morocco have released their preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi begins shaping his first major group in charge of the Atlas Lions.
The announcement marks the beginning of an intense selection phase, with several players still expected to be trimmed before the final tournament list is confirmed. It also signals a new tactical era under Ouahbi, who is tasked with maintaining Morocco’s status as one of Africa’s strongest football nations.
Morocco’s rise in recent years is highlighted by their landmark run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals — the first African nation ever to reach that stage. Expectations are once again high heading into the tournament in North America.
Road To The World Cup: Morocco’s Programme
Morocco will fine-tune their preparations with a structured set of international friendlies designed to test the squad across different levels.
- May 26: Morocco vs Burundi — Salé (closed doors)
- June 2: Morocco vs Madagascar — Rabat
- June 7: Morocco vs Norway — New York
After these warm-up fixtures, the squad will move into final tournament camp preparation ahead of the World Cup kick-off in the United States.
Morocco Preliminary World Cup Squad (Provisional List)
Goalkeepers
- Yassine Bounou
- Munir Mohamedi
- El Mehdi Benabid
Defenders
- Achraf Hakimi
- Noussair Mazraoui
- Nayef Aguerd
- Romain Saïss
- Chadi Riad
- Jawad El Yamiq
- Yahya Attiat-Allah
- Zakaria El Ouahdi
- Abdelkabir Abqar
Midfielders
- Sofyan Amrabat
- Azzedine Ounahi
- Bilal El Khannouss
- Ismael Saibari
- Selim Amallah
- Amir Richardson
- Oussama Targhalline
Forwards
- Brahim Díaz
- Hakim Ziyech
- Youssef En-Nesyri
- Ayoub El Kaabi
- Soufiane Rahimi
- Abdessamad Ezzalzouli
- Ilias Akhomach
- Amine Adli
- Walid Cheddira
A Squad Still Under Construction
While this preliminary list offers a strong indication of Morocco’s direction under Mohamed Ouahbi, it remains far from final.
What is clear, however, is that Morocco continue to operate with one of the deepest talent pools in African football, combining elite Europe-based stars with a growing generation of technical, confident young players.
As preparations continue, all eyes will be on Ouahbi’s final decisions — and whether Morocco can once again mount a serious challenge on the world stage.
