missing veterans fresh talent

Walid Regragui has left out veterans Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, Romain Saïss, Souffian El Karouani and Oussama Targhalline from Morocco’s squad, alongside 2025 call-ups Amine Adli, Eliesse Ben Seghir and Ilias Akhomach, while handing new call-ups to Bilal El Khannouss, Ismael Saibari, Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui and Samir El Mourabet, joining a core built around Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi and Ayoub El Kaabi.

Several veterans who defined the 2022 campaign are absent from the final list. Hakim Ziyech was left out after not being called up during qualification. Youssef En-Nesyri, whose goal eliminated Portugal in the quarterfinals, was also omitted, a decision described by several observers as surprising given his scoring record for the national team. Romain Saïss, Souffian El Karouani and Oussama Targhalline, all regulars under previous coach Walid Regragui, did not make the cut either, despite solid club form.

The exclusions extend beyond the 2022 generation. Amine Adli, Eliesse Ben Seghir and Ilias Akhomach, all of whom featured for the senior team in 2025, were not selected, reflecting increased competition for places. Imran Louza, Tawfik Bentayeb, Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Yassir Zabiri and Othmane Maamma, players who passed through expanded squads or youth categories, were also left off the final list.

In their place, several newer names have become fixtures. Bilal El Khannouss, an attacking midfielder first introduced during qualification, is now an established member of the squad. Ismael Saibari, a versatile midfielder who emerged in the 2025 qualifying campaign, has also secured a regular role. Ayyoub Bouaddi and Neil El Aynaoui, both first called up in 2025, have been included as rotation options in midfield. Samir El Mourabet, who plays for Strasbourg, was promoted to the squad following recent club performances. New defenders Redouane Halhal, Youssef Belammari and Zakaria El Ouahdi, none of whom were part of the 2022 group, have been added to strengthen the backline.

The squad retains a defensive core built around Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui and Nayef Aguerd. Bounou remains a central figure in this group, having long served as Morocco’s Guardian Between the Posts. In midfield, the previous trio of Amrabat, Ounahi and Ziyech has expanded into a larger group featuring El Khannouss, Saibari, Bouaddi and El Aynaoui. Up front, Ayoub El Kaabi and Soufiane Rahimi lead a reshaped attack alongside Brahim Díaz, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Chemsdine Talbi, Yassine Gessime and Ayoube Amaimouni.

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