The 20-year-old, who plays for French side RC Strasbourg Alsace, has been included in the squad for the March training camp by head coach Mohamed Wahbi. The call-up comes as Morocco prepare for two friendly matches against Ecuador and Paraguay as part of their build-up to the 2026 World Cup.
Emotional reaction to first international opportunity
Speaking about the moment he learned of his selection, Jassim highlighted the personal significance of the achievement, particularly for his family.
“I was overwhelmed with emotion at that moment. I felt so proud. I called my family first, my parents, and then I contacted my loved ones and agents to share the news with them. They were very happy for me.”
He also reflected on the impact the news had on his mother, underscoring the sacrifices behind his rise to professional football.
“My mother cried because it was a source of pride for her. If I have reached this point today, it is thanks to her.”
New faces signal strategic shift
Jassim is among several players receiving their first senior call-up under Wahbi, who has opted to introduce emerging talents into the national setup. Alongside him are fellow youth internationals Zabiri and Baouf, as well as Issa Diop, currently with Fulham FC.
The inclusion of these players reflects a broader strategy to integrate younger prospects into the senior squad, providing them with international exposure and preparing them for future competitions.
Jassim himself arrives with notable credentials, having been part of a team that won the Youth World Cup last year. His progression to the senior squad is seen as a continuation of Morocco’s investment in youth development.
Preparations for world cup campaign
Morocco’s March camp forms part of a structured preparation programme ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The upcoming friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay are expected to provide valuable opportunities for the coaching staff to assess new players and refine tactical approaches.
The team enters this phase with momentum, having been crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup following Senegal’s withdrawal from the final. Attention is now turning to the global stage, where Morocco will compete in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti and Scotland.
Their campaign is scheduled to begin against Brazil on Saturday, 13 June, in what is expected to be a high-profile opening fixture.
Building for the future
For Jassim, the call-up represents both recognition of his progress and the beginning of a new challenge at international level. His experience reflects the broader transition underway within the Moroccan squad, as established players are gradually complemented by a new generation.
With the World Cup approaching, the integration of young talents such as Jassim may prove crucial in shaping the team’s long-term ambitions. For now, however, the focus remains on preparation—and for the young midfielder, on making the most of a long-awaited opportunity on football’s international stage.
