Morocco has officially launched preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after head coach Mohamed Ouahbi announced a 28-man training camp squad on Thursday, May 21. The training camp, set to begin on Friday at the prestigious Mohammed VI Football Complex, marks the first major step in Morocco’s final build-up before heading to the global tournament. The squad blends experienced internationals, returning stars, and exciting young talents, reflecting Morocco’s ambition to remain one of Africa’s leading football nations after its historic rise on the international stage.
Ayyoub Bouaddi Headlines a new generation
One of the biggest stories surrounding the squad is the inclusion of highly rated Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who recently committed his international future to Morocco. Several players also earned their first senior call-ups, including:
- Yanis Benchaouchi (AS Monaco)
- Ibrahim Gomis (Olympique de Marseille)
- Othmane Maamma, MVP of the latest U20 World Cup
- Soufiane El-Faouzi (Schalke 04)
- Tawfik Bentayeb, currently Ligue 2’s top scorer in France
The selections underline Morocco’s growing talent pool across Europe and its continued investment in youth development.
Boufal returns as key stars miss early camp
Experienced winger Sofiane Boufal returns to the national team after months away, following strong performances with Le Havre in France. Midfielder Imran Louza also makes his comeback, while regulars such as Ayoub El Kaabi, Ismael Saibari and Oussama Targhalline remain part of the setup. However, several major stars were left out of the initial camp due to rest periods or ongoing club commitments. Those absent include:
- Achraf Hakimi
- Brahim Díaz
- Yassine Bounou
- Azzedine Ounahi
Most are expected to join the squad later before the World Cup campaign officially begins.
Friendly Matches Set the Tone Before World Cup 2026
Morocco will conclude the camp with a closed-door friendly against Burundi on May 26 before facing Madagascar on June 2 and Norway on June 7. The Atlas Lions will compete in Group C at the FIFA World Cup 2026 alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti. After their memorable recent international performances, Moroccan fans will once again expect the Atlas Lions to challenge football’s biggest nations on the world stage.
