Mohammed Wahbi has named a 28-player squad for a decisive training camp as Morocco move into the final stage of preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
The camp will take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmoura between May 22 and May 26, and is expected to be the final opportunity for players to secure a place in the tournament squad.
The selection includes a mix of established international players and emerging talents from across Europe and beyond, as the coaching staff look to assess both physical condition and tactical readiness before finalising the “Atlas Lions” roster.
Notably, the squad announcement came with the absence of two high-profile names, Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bounou, which is likely to prompt discussion among supporters given their importance in recent international campaigns.
Goalkeeping competition intensifies
In the goalkeeping department, Wahbi has selected three players to compete for final inclusion.
Mehdi Harrar of Raja Casablanca has been included alongside experienced shot-stopper Munir Mohamedi of RS Berkane.
They are joined by young prospect Yanis Benchouche, who currently plays for AS Monaco, adding a generational contrast in the goalkeeping group.
Defensive and midfield depth assessed
The defensive unit includes a combination of international experience and emerging talent, with players such as Marwan Saadane of Al Fateh SC and Sofiane Bouftini of Al Wasl FC recalled to the squad.
They are joined by younger players including Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal of Stade Rennais and Ismail Baouf of SC Cambuur.
Other defensive options include Mohamed Chibi of Pyramids FC, Sofiane Karouani of FC Utrecht, and Anas Salah-Eddine of PSV Eindhoven.
In midfield, Wahbi has called up a large pool of talent featuring both established internationals and rising prospects. Among them are Azzedine Ounahi of Girona FC and Ismael Saibari of PSV Eindhoven.
They are supported by players such as Imran Louza of Watford FC, Oussama Targaline of Feyenoord, and Sofiane Boufal of Le Havre AC.
Further midfield and attacking depth comes from players including Ayoub Bouadi of Lille OSC and others such as Ryan Bonida and Yassine Zoubir.
Attack options and final audition
In attack, Morocco have named several forwards competing for limited places, including top scorer Ayoub El Kaabi of Olympiacos FC and Soufiane Benjedida of Maghreb de Fès.
Other attacking players include Yanis Bakraoui of Estoril Praia, Taoufik Ben Tayeb of ES Troyes AC, and Soufiane Faouzi of FC Schalke 04.
The squad will undergo intensive evaluation over the five-day camp, with the coaching staff expected to use the sessions to finalise the group that will travel to North America for the tournament.
Final chance to impress
The camp represents the last opportunity for both domestic-based and overseas players to convince the coaching staff of their readiness for World Cup football.
With competition for places intense across all areas of the pitch, the final selection is expected to be highly competitive, particularly given Morocco’s growing ambitions on the global stage.
The wider Moroccan football community now awaits the final squad announcement, which will confirm the group tasked with representing the country at the 2026 World Cup.
