Morocco's Atlas Lions Roar with Anticipation for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Tuesday 28 May 2024 - 14:45

In an eagerly awaited announcement, Morocco's esteemed head coach, Walid Regragui, has unveiled the lineup of players poised to represent the nation in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. Football enthusiasts across the Kingdom await the performances of these skilled athletes as they embark on their quest to secure a coveted spot in the prestigious tournament.

The lineup, a harmonious blend of seasoned veterans and promising rising stars, features a single new addition: Oussama Targhalline, the talented midfielder from Le Havre. Alongside him, Regragui has called upon the formidable presence of El Mehdi Benabid, the goalkeeping stalwart from the domestic Botola league's AS FAR.

Familiar names that have graced the Moroccan squad in past international competitions and friendlies adorn the list, ensuring a seamless blend of experience and youthful exuberance. The indomitable Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, and Benabid form an impregnable trio of goalkeepers. The backline is fortified by the presence of Achraf Hakimi, Romain Saiss, Nayef Aguerd, Noussair Mazraoui, Yahya Attiat Allah, Achraf Dari, Abdelkabir Abqar, Mohamed Chibi, and Chadi Riad.

The midfield boasts a wealth of talent, including Amir Richardson, Real Madrid's prodigy Brahim Diaz, Oussama El Azzouzi, Bilal El Khannouss, Azzedine Ounahi, Sofyan Amrabat, Oussama Targhalline, and Ismael Saibari. Their dynamic presence promises to orchestrate the team's rhythm and dictate the tempo of the game.

Spearheading the attack, the lineup features an array of potent strikers, each possessing the ability to strike fear into the hearts of opposing defenses. Soufiane Rahimi, the heroic performer in the UAE Pro-League, joins forces with Amin Adli, Hakim Ziyech, Ayoub El Kaabi, Youssef En-Nesyri, Ilias Ben Sghir, and Ilias Akhomach, forming a formidable offensive unit poised to leave an indelible mark on the qualifiers.

The Atlas Lions will embark on their quest with an inaugural clash against Zambia on June 7 in the coastal city of Agadir, followed by a friendly against the Republic of Congo on June 11 in Kinshasa. These matches mark the commencement of a journey that promises to captivate the nation, as the Moroccan contingent strives to etch its name among the elite teams destined for the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

As the anticipation builds, the roars of the Atlas Lions echo throughout the Kingdom, a rallying cry for unity and unwavering support. With an indomitable spirit and an unwavering determination to excel, Morocco's football ambassadors stand poised to etch their names in the annals of the beautiful game.