Mohamed Ouahbi considers three new faces for Morocco’s upcoming fixtures

Friday 21 August 2026 - 08:15

By: Azzat Manal

Mohamed Ouahbi considers three new faces for Morocco’s upcoming fixtures

Morocco national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi is reportedly preparing several changes to his squad ahead of the next international break, as the Atlas Lions begin a new phase following their impressive 2026 World Cup campaign.

The Moroccan team is expected to gather during the international window from September 21 to October 6, with attention now turning to the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco is scheduled to face Gabon and Lesotho as it begins its qualifying campaign.

According to media reports, Ouahbi has identified three players who could earn a place in his next squad: Abdellah Ouazane, Soufiane El Fouzzi and Hamza Igamane. None of the three featured in Morocco’s squad at the 2026 World Cup.

Ouazane has emerged as one of the players attracting the coach’s attention after making a promising start with Ajax Amsterdam. The young midfielder recently scored his first goal for the club’s senior team, following an assist in the UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds earlier in the summer.

El Fouzzi is already familiar with the national team environment. He was called up in May for Morocco’s match against Burundi, which the Atlas Lions won 5–0. However, he was subsequently left out of the final squad for the 2026 World Cup.

For Igamane, his physical condition will be a decisive factor. The Lille striker underwent surgery at the end of January after suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury. The injury ruled him out of the World Cup, while his return to competitive football has been provisionally scheduled for October.

Ouahbi is also continuing to monitor Chadi Riad, who suffered an injury during the World Cup. The defender remains among the coach’s options as Morocco seeks to maintain a broad pool of players ahead of its upcoming challenges.

The official Morocco squad is expected to be announced on September 17, ahead of the next training camp. Ouahbi’s choices could offer an opportunity for emerging players to strengthen the national team while competing for places alongside Morocco’s established stars.

With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers approaching, the coming international window will provide an important opportunity for the new coach to assess his options, test emerging talent and build a squad capable of maintaining Morocco’s position among Africa’s leading football nations.