Morocco squad selection draws attention ahead of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Wednesday 16 September 2026 - 15:15

Mohamed Ouahbi is set to unveil his latest Morocco squad on Thursday, with the first selection since the 2026 World Cup expected to offer clues about the direction of the Atlas Lions ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Morocco will begin its qualifying schedule against Gabon on 25 September at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, before travelling to Bloemfontein four days later for a meeting with Lesotho.

The announcement comes at a moment of transition for the national team. Injuries have removed several established options, while a number of younger Moroccan players have started the new season strongly in European competitions.

Injuries reshape Ouahbi's options

The Morocco coach faces several selection problems before the squad is confirmed.

Chadi Riad and Youssef Belammari remain in recovery following knee injuries, while Ayoub El Kaabi is expected to remain unavailable for several months after undergoing surgery on a serious leg injury. Hamza Igamane is also continuing his rehabilitation after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January.

The biggest question could concern captain Achraf Hakimi.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender suffered an adductor problem during the weekend, putting his participation in the upcoming international window under scrutiny. If he is unavailable, Ouahbi would have to consider alternative options on the right side of the defence.

There was more encouraging news regarding Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, who returned to competitive action for Real Betis after a period affected by knee problems.

El Hilali emerges as a potential defensive option

Hakimi's possible absence could create an opportunity for Omar El Hilali.

The Espanyol defender has established himself as a regular option at club level and can operate both on the right and in central defensive positions. His versatility could make him a candidate for the upcoming international window if Ouahbi needs additional cover.

The decision would also reflect the broader challenge facing the Morocco coach: balancing continuity after the World Cup with the emergence of players who have developed rapidly at club level.

Zabiri attracts attention after strong start in Spain

One of the most closely watched names ahead of Thursday's announcement is Yassir Zabiri.

The young forward, currently on loan from Stade Rennais at Racing Santander, has made an impressive start to the season in Spain. He scored a hat-trick and subsequently added two goals in another start, while also being named Racing Santander's player of the month for August.

Those performances have increased interest in his potential international involvement, particularly with Morocco facing uncertainty in the attacking department.

A call-up would represent an opportunity for the striker to move into the senior international environment at a time when the national team is dealing with several absences.

Ouazane among Morocco's emerging generation

Another young player attracting attention is Abdellah Ouazane.

The 17-year-old Ajax midfielder has already represented Morocco at youth level and has reportedly been monitored by Ouahbi. His potential inclusion would underline the national team's interest in developing younger players alongside established internationals.

Other emerging names, including Othmane Maamma and Reda Belahyane, are also among the players whose club performances could put them into consideration for the squad.

The selection therefore provides Ouahbi with an opportunity to assess a wider pool of players as Morocco begins preparing for another major international cycle.

Ebnoutalib's international future under scrutiny

The situation surrounding Younes Ebnoutalib is likely to generate particular attention.

The Morocco-born German forward has started the season strongly with Eintracht Frankfurt, registering four goals and two assists across his first four appearances according to the information surrounding his performances.

His form has placed him on the radar of both Morocco and Germany.

German media reports have linked Ebnoutalib with conversations involving Jürgen Klopp, while Ouahbi has also reportedly spoken with the striker and attended a Frankfurt match.

His inclusion in the Morocco squad would consequently carry significance beyond the immediate qualifying matches, given the possibility of representing either national setup in the future.

A first indication of Ouahbi's post-World Cup plans

The matches against Gabon and Lesotho will be the first competitive tests of Morocco's next phase following the 2026 World Cup.

The quarter-final run at the tournament has raised expectations around the national team, while the changing availability of several players means Ouahbi must now work with a different set of options.

The September squad could therefore provide an early indication of how the coach intends to manage the transition.

For established players, the priority will be returning from injury and maintaining their places. For younger footballers performing well in Europe, the international window offers a possible route into the senior setup.

The upcoming announcement is consequently about more than filling vacancies. It will show which players Ouahbi trusts as Morocco begins the road toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

With Gabon and Lesotho waiting, Thursday's squad reveal will provide the first concrete picture of the group that will carry the Atlas Lions into the next stage of their international cycle.