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May 27, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Hakimi Anchors Morocco’s Veteran Core for 2026 World Cup

AI Summary
Paris Saint‑Germain defender Achraf Hakimi joins nine members of Morocco’s historic 2022 squad for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi leans on diaspora‑born talent and recent eligibility switches as the Atlas Lions prepare for a Group C showdown in New Jersey.

The Veteran Core Returns to Lead Morocco’s 2026 Campaign

Morocco announced a 26‑player roster that blends nine players from its 2022 semifinal run with a wave of Europe‑born talent. The squad, selected by coach Mohamed Ouahbi—himself a Belgium‑born former player—will open the tournament against Brazil on 13 June in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Squad Composition: Nine 2022 World Cup Alumni and Diaspora Talent

  • Defender Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint‑Germain) returns as the marquee name.
  • Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (Al‑Hilal), age 35, makes his third World Cup appearance.
  • Three players—Issa Diop (Fulham), Anass Salah‑Eddine (PSV Eindhoven) and Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille)—had FIFA eligibility approvals within the last nine months.
  • Spanish‑born forwards Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid) and Hakimi are eligible through family ties.
  • Out of 26, the majority were born in Europe, reflecting Ouahbi’s diaspora‑focused approach.

Key Numbers: Age, Club Representation, and Eligibility Changes

  • Average squad age: 27.4 years (youngest: 18‑year‑old Ayyoub Bouaddi, oldest: 35‑year‑old Yassine Bounou).
  • Club distribution: 7 players in top‑five European leagues, 5 in Ligue 1, 4 in Premier League, 3 in La Liga, 2 in Bundesliga, 2 in Eredivisie, and the rest in domestic Moroccan clubs.
  • Eligibility updates: 3 players switched national allegiance in the past nine months, expanding the pool of Europe‑based talent.

Strategic Implications for African Football and Group C Dynamics

The roster underscores Morocco’s intent to defend its status as Africa’s leading World Cup contender. By anchoring the team with experienced 2022 players while integrating newly‑eligible diaspora stars, Ouahbi aims to balance tactical continuity with fresh dynamism. In Group C—Brazil, Scotland, Haiti—Morocco’s defensive solidity (anchored by Hakimi and Mazraoui) and attacking depth (Diaz, Ezzalzouli) position them as early favorites to secure one of the top‑two spots and avoid reliance on the third‑place advancement route.

Outlook: Morocco’s Chances in 2026 and Beyond

If the squad replicates its 2022 knockout resilience, it could become the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals again. Success will hinge on integrating the newly‑eligible players, managing the physical demands of a North‑American schedule, and navigating the legal uncertainty surrounding the African Cup of Nations title. A strong group‑stage performance would set the stage for a deep run and reinforce Morocco’s role as a benchmark for African football development.