The head coach of the Morocco national football team, Mohamed Wahbi, has travelled to England as part of preparations for the upcoming World Cup, where he is assessing potential additions to his squad.
According to reports on Saturday, Wahbi made a private visit to monitor a player under consideration for selection, as Morocco intensify their preparations for the tournament, which will feature an expanded 48-team format.
The North African side, who finished fourth at the 2022 World Cup, are set to compete in Group C alongside Brazil national football team, Haiti national football team and Scotland national football team.
Focus on emerging talent in England
Wahbi’s trip took him to the English second tier, the EFL Championship, where he attended the match between Watford FC and Coventry City FC during the 46th round of fixtures.
His primary objective was to observe young winger Othmane Maamma, who has attracted attention following a series of strong performances.
The 20-year-old has established himself as a regular starter for Watford, prompting the national team coach to assess his suitability at close range.
Player attracting attention after strong season
Maamma’s performances this season have reportedly impressed the Moroccan coaching staff, both at club level and during his appearances with the national youth side at the Under-20 World Cup.
He is viewed as a potential option to strengthen the left side of the team’s attack, an area where Wahbi appears keen to add depth ahead of the global tournament.
The scouting visit reflects a broader effort by the coach to identify and integrate emerging Moroccan talent based in European leagues.
Squad selection process underway
With less than six weeks remaining before the start of the competition, Morocco’s preparations are entering a critical phase. Wahbi is expected to name an initial squad of 55 players in the coming days.
The timeline aligns with requirements set by FIFA, which has established 11 May as the deadline for submitting preliminary lists.
Final squads are due to be confirmed two weeks before the tournament begins, leaving limited time for last-minute evaluations and decisions.
Building on recent success
Morocco’s fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup has raised expectations for their upcoming campaign, as they aim to replicate or surpass that achievement on the global stage.
Wahbi’s continued scouting efforts suggest a focus on balancing experience with emerging talent, as the team prepares to compete in a demanding group.
Final preparations gather pace
The visit to England underlines the importance placed on thorough player assessment as Morocco approach the final stages of squad selection.
With key decisions imminent, the coaching staff are working to ensure that the strongest possible group is assembled, capable of competing at the highest level.
As the deadline for squad submission approaches, attention will remain on potential inclusions such as Maamma, whose performances could yet earn him a place in Morocco’s World Cup plans.
