What's happened
Morocco has confirmed its 26-man squad for the World Cup under new coach Mohamed Ouahbi. The squad leans on European-born players, including five with links to Spain, and features Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, whose eligibility was approved by FIFA this year. The Atlas Lions open in New Jersey on June 13 vs. Brazil, then face Scotland and Haiti in Group C.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The squad emphasizes a European-born core, reflecting Morocco’s broad diaspora reach.
- FIFA's recent eligibility decisions have allowed a number of players to represent Morocco, expanding the talent pool.
- The early schedule places Morocco against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, with advancement likely depending on group results.
- This selection could affect team cohesion as it blends familiar domestically-based players with newer diaspora picks.
How we got here
Ouahbi has replaced Walid Regragui as Morocco boss this year after guiding Morocco to the Under-20 World Cup title. The squad includes players with diaspora roots and FIFA-validated eligibility changes, and Morocco is preparing to base in the United States for its group stage.
Our analysis
AP News (Morocco squad overview), Al Jazeera (Diaspora-based selection and eligibility changes), The Scotsman (Bouaddi inclusion and squad notes), French and Belgian outlets (Arab world coverage).
Go deeper
- Will Bouaddi’s inclusion translate to immediate impact in the midfield?
- How will Morocco balance diaspora players with domestically-based stars in this campaign?
- What are the implications of the FIFA eligibility changes for future Morocco selections?
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