Editor’s note — November 12, 2026: Neil El Aynaoui withdrew from Morocco’s squad because of ankle discomfort and was replaced by Samir El Mourabet on November 11. The squad list and featured graphic reflect the original 26-man selection announced on November 4.
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has named a 26-man squad for the two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Niger on November 13 and 17, recalling Youssef En-Nesyri and handing AZ Alkmaar forward Ayoub Oufkir his first senior international call-up.
The selection, announced on Wednesday, November 4, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, includes several young players already involved in the national-team setup. Ayyoub Bouaddi, Abdellah Ouazane and Yassir Zabiri retain their places, while established internationals Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz and Yassine Bounou are also included.
Ouahbi has made his choices against a difficult injury situation. Azzedine Ounahi, Ismael Saibari, Ayoub El Kaabi, Soufiane Rahimi and Chadi Riad are unavailable, leaving opportunities in midfield and attack.
Morocco enter the double-header leading Group A with six points from their opening two matches.
En-Nesyri Returns to Morocco’s Attack
En-Nesyri’s return is one of the most significant decisions in the November selection.
The 29-year-old Al-Ittihad striker was absent from recent international squads, during which Ouahbi assessed other attacking options. His recall follows regular monitoring of his performances in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at Wednesday’s press conference, Ouahbi explained that En-Nesyri had remained under consideration throughout his absence. The coaching staff now believes his characteristics could provide a useful alternative against Niger.
En-Nesyri offers a recognised penalty-area presence, aerial ability and movement behind defensive lines. Those qualities distinguish him from some of Morocco’s other forwards.
The decision also comes with El Kaabi and Rahimi unavailable through injury.
Zabiri, meanwhile, remains in the squad after a productive start to the Spanish league season with Racing Santander. His recent performances have strengthened the competition for places at centre-forward.
Having En-Nesyri and Zabiri available gives Ouahbi different options through the middle, although their respective roles will become clearer during the international window.
Oufkir Receives First Senior Call-Up
Ayoub Oufkir is the principal newcomer in the attacking group.
The 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar forward has earned his first senior selection after attracting attention with his development in Dutch football.
His inclusion adds another wide attacking option alongside Brahim Díaz, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Gessime Yassine.
Oufkir’s selection does not necessarily mean he will feature in either match, but it gives Ouahbi an opportunity to assess him within the senior squad.
The coach has indicated that introducing younger players remains part of his longer-term approach, while maintaining the immediate priority of securing qualification points.
Ounahi and Saibari Absences Affect Midfield Options
Morocco’s most significant selection difficulties are in midfield.
Ounahi underwent surgery in late October after suffering a hamstring tendon injury while playing for Panathinaikos. Saibari subsequently required surgery on an ankle ligament injury sustained with Bayern Munich.
Both are absent from the November squad.
As previously covered in Atlas Lions Insider’s injury assessment, their simultaneous absence removes two different midfield profiles.
Ounahi contributes ball progression and control through central areas. Saibari offers a more direct attacking presence and the ability to arrive in advanced positions.
Ouahbi has selected Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, Oussama Targhalline, Bilal El Khannouss, Reda Belahyane, Amine Sbai and Ouazane.
Those players offer several possible midfield combinations.
El Aynaoui and Belahyane can provide deeper midfield options, while Bouaddi and El Khannouss offer different qualities in possession. Ouazane adds another creative alternative.
The selection also illustrates the growing involvement of younger players, a trend examined in Atlas Lions Insider’s November U23 market-value analysis.
However, market valuations and club reputations do not determine international selection. Ouahbi must decide how to distribute defensive responsibilities and attacking support without two regular midfield contributors.
Morocco’s Full 26-Man Squad for November 2026
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation confirmed four goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and six forwards.
Goalkeepers (4)
Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, Alaa Bellaarouch.
Defenders (9)
Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Nayef Aguerd, Issa Diop, Anass Salah-Eddine, Souffian El Karouani, Redouane Halhal, Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Ali Maamar.
Midfielders (7)
Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, Oussama Targhalline, Bilal El Khannouss, Reda Belahyane, Amine Sbai, Abdellah Ouazane.
Forwards (6)
Brahim Díaz, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Gessime Yassine, Ayoub Oufkir, Yassir Zabiri, Youssef En-Nesyri.
Morocco vs Niger: Match Dates and Venues
Morocco will face Niger twice during the November international window, with both fixtures taking place on Moroccan soil.
| Match | Date | Venue | Kickoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco vs Niger | Friday, November 13 | Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca | 20:00 |
| Niger vs Morocco | Tuesday, November 17 | Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat | 20:00 |
The matches form part of the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Morocco opened the campaign with consecutive 2-0 victories over Gabon and Lesotho in September. The Atlas Lions therefore enter November with six points, four goals scored and none conceded.
The confirmed fixture arrangements give Ouahbi two competitive opportunities to assess his current group before the next international window.
The coach has made clear that qualification results remain the immediate priority. At the same time, November offers a chance to evaluate returning players, integrate newer selections and develop the combinations he wants to carry into 2027.
Primary source: Royal Moroccan Football Federation — Official squad announcement, November 4, 2026
Get the Atlas Lions Weekly
The biggest Morocco football stories, player updates and analysis—delivered to your inbox every Sunday.
