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Rabat – Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has announced a strong starting lineup for the Atlas Lions’ World Cup round-of-32 match against the Netherlands in Monterrey.
Yassine Bounou starts in goal, with captain Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui selected as the two full-backs.
Issa Diop returns to partner Chadi Riad in central defense after Morocco rotated several players during their 4-2 victory over Haiti.
The four-man defense is the same unit that started Morocco’s opening matches against Brazil and Scotland.
Bouaddi returns to midfield
Ayyoub Bouaddi returns to the starting lineup after being rested against Haiti.
The 18-year-old will play alongside Neil El Aynaoui in the deeper midfield positions, giving Morocco a young and technically strong base in the center of the pitch.
Bouaddi impressed during the 1-1 draw with Brazil and kept his place for the 1-0 victory over Scotland.
His ability to receive the ball under pressure and move possession forward will be important against a Netherlands midfield featuring Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders.
Azzedine Ounahi and Bilal El Khannouss are also included, providing Morocco with players capable of controlling possession and creating attacks through central areas.
Brahim and saibari lead morocco’s attack
Brahim Diaz starts in an advanced role, with Ismael Saibari expected to operate at the top of the attack.
Saibari has been one of Morocco’s leading performers during the tournament and offers movement, physical strength and the ability to attack spaces behind the defense.
The attacking players are likely to rotate positions during the game, with Brahim, Ounahi and El Khannouss all comfortable moving between central and wide areas.
Ouahbi appears to have selected mobility and technical control rather than starting with a traditional center-forward.
Ayoub El Kaabi and Soufiane Rahimi are among the attacking options available from the bench if Morocco require a different approach later in the match.
Sofyan Amrabat also starts among the substitutes, with Ouahbi preferring the younger midfield partnership of Bouaddi and El Aynaoui.
Morocco starting lineup
Morocco: Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Noussair Mazraoui; Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui; Azzedine Ounahi, Brahim Diaz, Bilal El Khannouss; Ismael Saibari.
The formation is expected to resemble a 4-2-3-1, although Morocco’s attacking players will likely change positions during different phases of the match.
Strong options on the bench
Ouahbi has several experienced players available if the match requires changes.
Amrabat can strengthen the midfield, while Rahimi and El Kaabi offer a more direct threat in attack.
Gessime Yassine, Chemsdine Talbi, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Redouane Halhal and Amine Sbaï are also included among the substitutes.
Morocco enter the knockout match unbeaten after collecting seven points in Group C.
The Atlas Lions drew with Brazil before defeating Scotland and Haiti, finishing second behind the five-time world champions on goal difference.
The Netherlands topped Group F with seven points after victories against Sweden and Tunisia and a draw with Japan.
The winner in Monterrey will face Canada in the round of 16.
