Rabat – Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi is closely monitoring a new generation of Moroccan footballers ahead of naming his first Atlas Lions squad since the team’s impressive run to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Rather than making sweeping changes, Ouahbi is expected to maintain the core of the squad that established Morocco among the world’s top teams while gradually introducing promising young players to strengthen competition across all positions.
Next camp
The September training camp will mark Morocco’s return to action following the World Cup. The Atlas Lions are set to begin their qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with matches against Gabon and Lesotho, while the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is also working to finalize a high-profile friendly, with Colombia emerging as the leading candidate.
According to reports from SNRT News, Ouahbi and his Portuguese assistant João Sacramento are planning a European tour to meet several players and assess their progress with their clubs before finalizing the September squad.
The coaching staff’s strategy is not focused on rebuilding the national team but rather on expanding the player pool and preparing reliable alternatives as Morocco faces a packed international schedule, including AFCON qualifiers and preparations for the 2027 tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The profiles
Among the standout names attracting attention is Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Abdellah Ouazane, who recently earned promotion to the Dutch club’s first team after impressing through its renowned academy.
Ouahbi is also keeping a close eye on left-back Adam Aznou, who has already represented Morocco’s senior team under former coach Walid Regragui, as well as Anderlecht right-back Ali Maamar, considered one of Belgium’s most promising young defenders.
Several players familiar to Ouahbi from his time coaching Morocco’s youth national teams also remain under consideration. These include Othmane Maamma, who continues to develop impressively at club level, alongside defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Ismail Baouf, midfielder Rayane Bounida, striker Yanis Bekraoui, and goalkeeper Yanis Benchaouch.
The strategy
The technical staff hopes to strike the right balance between preserving the stability that has fueled Morocco’s recent success and integrating young talents capable of strengthening the squad for future challenges.
While the upcoming squad list could feature a few surprises, it is unlikely to change the backbone of the team that enjoyed a memorable 2026 World Cup campaign. Instead, Ouahbi appears committed to a gradual integration process designed to maintain chemistry while allowing emerging players to earn their place in the Atlas Lions setup.
September’s training camp will provide the first real indication of Morocco’s post-World Cup direction, as the national team looks to build on its recent achievements while preparing the next generation for continued success on the international stage.
