Strong Presence of U-20 World Cup Winners in Morocco’s Preliminary Squad

Morocco’s U-20 World Cup heroes continue their rise after earning places in Mohamed Ouahbi’s preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Several members of Morocco’s historic U-20 World Cup winning team have been included in the preliminary squad announced by Mohamed Ouahbi ahead of the Atlas Lions’ training camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision highlights the national team coach’s continued trust in the generation that delivered an unprecedented triumph for Moroccan football in Chile.

Although the squad remains provisional, with several senior players still expected to join the final selection, the young talents who shone under Ouahbi at the U-20 World Cup have once again earned recognition thanks to their impressive performances and strong connection with the coach.

The called players

Among the standout names are goalkeepers Yanis Benchaouch and Ibrahim Gomez, as well as defender Ismail Baouf, all of whom played key roles in Morocco’s successful youth campaign with their defensive solidity and composure in crucial matches.

The preliminary list also features the attacking trio Yassir Zabiri, Othmane Maamma, and Yassine Jassim, who attracted widespread attention during the tournament in Chile thanks to their speed, technical quality, and efficiency in front of goal.

On-going development

The young Moroccan internationals continue to develop within European football. Benchaouch has impressed with the reserve side of AS Monaco, while Gomez is progressing through the ranks at Olympique de Marseille. Baouf, meanwhile, has established himself as a promising defender at SC Cambuur.

In attack, Zabiri has delivered strong performances with Stade Rennais, while Maamma continues to shine at Watford FC with his pace and creativity. Jassim has also enjoyed a steady rise at RC Strasbourg, strengthening their chances of securing places in Morocco’s final World Cup squad.

A promising generation

The presence of so many U-20 world champions reflects the technical staff’s belief in this golden generation and its ability to contribute at senior level. Their previous chemistry under Ouahbi could become an important asset for Morocco as the Atlas Lions prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

By opening the door to emerging talents, Ouahbi aims to create strong competition across all positions, sending a clear message that performance and hard work remain the key criteria for representing Morocco national football team on the world stage.