Morocco’s new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has announced his first squad just days after taking charge, signalling a shift in direction as the Atlas Lions prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ouahbi has selected an expanded group of 28 players for the March international window, combining established names with emerging talent in what appears to be the early stages of a rebuilding process.
The move comes at a critical moment for Moroccan football following the departure of former coach Walid Regragui.
The squad retains key figures such as Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz, who are expected to provide leadership and continuity within the team.
At the same time, Ouahbi has handed opportunities to several new faces, including defender Issa Diop and a number of players from Morocco’s U20 World Cup-winning generation.
This blend of experience and youth reflects what analysts see as a deliberate attempt to refresh the squad ahead of a demanding international calendar.
However, there are also notable absences, most significantly defender Nayef Aguerd, who has been ruled out following surgery, forcing adjustments in defensive selection.
Morocco’s new-look side will be tested immediately, with friendly matches scheduled against Ecuador and Paraguay.
The fixtures will be played in Madrid and Lens respectively, offering Ouahbi an early opportunity to assess his squad against international opposition.
These matches form part of Morocco’s preparations for the World Cup, where they are set to face Brazil in Group C.
The upcoming games are expected to play a key role in shaping the squad that will travel to the tournament.
Ouahbi’s appointment follows the resignation of Regragui, who stepped down less than 100 days before the start of the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
His departure was confirmed during a late-night press conference attended by Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa.
Regragui leaves behind a mixed legacy.
He guided Morocco to a historic semi-final finish at the 2022 World Cup, the first time an African and Arab nation reached that stage of the competition.
However, his tenure came under scrutiny after Morocco failed to secure the Africa Cup of Nations title on home soil, losing 1-0 to Senegal earlier this year even though that has been overturned by CAF’s Appeals Board, thus, handing Morocco a 3-0 victory over Senegal’s 17-minute walk off during the final.
With Ouahbi now in charge, attention turns to how quickly he can implement his ideas and build cohesion within the squad.
His first selection suggests a willingness to make bold decisions, balancing established stars with emerging players as Morocco looks to maintain its status as one of Africa’s leading football nations.
