Morocco is gearing up for a thrilling journey in the upcoming World Cup, with notable players such as Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi leading the charge. The Moroccan national team, known as the Lions of the Atlas, has set its sights on claiming its first star, but the path is daunting, particularly with Brazil in their group as a formidable opponent. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi has unveiled a squad of 26 players who will battle fiercely for this prestigious accolade, aiming not only to surpass their historic semi-final achievement in Qatar but also to dream of becoming world champions.
Having made history by becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals, Morocco now faces the challenge of rising to new heights, despite the pressure of expectations. Following the unexpected departure of coach Walid Regragui in March, the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has opted for Ouahbi, who previously led the U-20 team to victory, a decision reminiscent of Spain's Luis de la Fuente or Argentina's Lionel Scaloni.
In a surprising turn of events, the squad features some unexpected omissions, including Ilias Akhomach, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Ben Seghir. Ouahbi is embracing a transformative approach aimed at nurturing young talents, with newcomers such as Bouaddi, Talbi, Yassine Gessime, and Samir El Mourabet making their mark. These promising players, some of whom were scouted from other countries, represent a bright future for Moroccan football.
The FRMF has been diligently investing in the sport, enhancing facilities, modernizing the organization, and developing national academies. Their robust scouting network has yielded results, as evidenced by the attention given to talents like Ben Seghir and Bouaddi, who have garnered interest from France, alongside established stars Hakimi and Brahim.
After the recent disappointment and subsequent controversy surrounding the Africa Cup final, Morocco has every opportunity to emerge victorious in the North American tournament. This World Cup marks a crucial moment, as it is the last before Morocco steps into the role of co-host alongside Spain and Portugal for the 2030 tournament, where they aspire to host the final at the impressive Hassan II Stadium.
Morocco will kick off their World Cup campaign on June 13 against Brazil at MetLife Stadium in New York, a match that will set the tone for Group C. Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of the Brazilian team, has already labeled Morocco as a team to watch, making this initial clash even more significant. The remaining matches against Scotland at Gillette Stadium in Boston and Haiti at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta appear relatively manageable, but the team will need to be on top of their game.
The squad boasts a mix of experienced and emerging talents, including goalkeepers Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal SFC), Munir El Kajoui (RS Berkane), and Ajmed Reda Tagnaouti (Raja Casablanca). The defensive line features Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Nayef Aguerd (West Ham United), and Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), among others. The midfield showcases players like Sofyan Amrabat (Fenerbahçe SK) and Azzedine Ounahi (Girona), while the attack is spearheaded by Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid) and other promising forwards.
As reported by as.com.
