Morocco has named its team for the upcoming friendly matches against Ecuador and Paraguay as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Newly-appointed head coach Mohamed Ouahbi chose to mixe experienced players with new talent. Big names like goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, defender Achraf Hakimi, and forward Brahim Diaz are included, while younger players such as World Cup champion Ismaël Baouf, Chadi Riad, and Chemsdine Talbi are getting their chance.
Morocco will play Ecuador on Friday, March 27 in Madrid, Spain, and Paraguay on Tuesday, March 31 in Lens, France. Kick-off times are 9:15 PM and 8:00 PM local time.
The friendlies give Morocco a chance to face South American teams, who are known for strong, organised defence. Midfielders Bilal El Khannouss and Azzedine Ounahi will try to control the game, while forwards Ayoub El Kaabi and Soufiane Rahimi will lead the attack.
There are big changes in defence. Nayef Aguerd is out after surgery, Romain Saïss has retired, and Jawad El Yamiq and Adam Masina are unavailable due to injury or lack of match fitness.
Some other big names are missing too. Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Sofyan Amrabat are not in this squad. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi seems to be using this chance to try younger players and test new options.
These matches will help Ouahbi see how the team works together and prepare for the World Cup.
Here is the full list:
Goalkeepers
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El Mehdi Benabid
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Yassine Bounou
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El Mehdi Al Harrar
Defenders
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Achraf Hakimi
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Zakaria El Ouahdi
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Issa Diop
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Ismaël Baouf
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Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal
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Redouane Halhal
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Chadi Riad
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Souffian El Karouani
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Anass Salah-Eddine
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Noussair Mazraoui
Midfielders
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Azzedine Ounahi
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Ismael Saibari
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Bilal El Khannouss
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Samir El Mourabet
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Neil El Aynaoui
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Oussama Targhalline
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Mohamed Rabie Hrimat
Forwards
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Brahim Diaz
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Yassine Gessime
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Ayoub El Kaabi
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Yassir Zabiri
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Soufiane Rahimi
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Abdessamad Ezzalzouli
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Chemsdine Talbi
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Amine Adli
