Atlas Lions World Cup Squad 2026 Mohamed Ouahbi Surprise Selection

21 May 2026 – bySaid · 2 min read

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Mohamed Ouahbi gathers a first wave of Atlas Lions. Deprived of many key players retained by their clubs, the Moroccan coach will evaluate several new profiles before finalizing his definitive squad.

Preparation for the World Cup begins on May 22 at the Mohammed VI Complex, but the squad will be temporarily without its stars. The end of the European season still monopolizes many internationals. Achraf Hakimi must play the Champions League final with PSG against Arsenal on May 30, as does Bilal El Khannouss, expected in the German Cup final. Profiles like Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi and Sofiane Diop, caught up in the final stages of their championships, also remain stuck in Europe.

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This situation opens the door wide to comebacks and young talent. Away from the squad since the last Africa Cup of Nations, Sofiane Boufal rejoins the team alongside Munir Mohamedi and Othmane Maamma, just recovered from their injuries. The technical staff will especially use this gathering to observe recent faces. Ayyoub Bouaddi, Soufiane Benjdida, Yanis Begraoui, Tawfik Bentayeb and Ayoube Amaimouni thus make their appearance under the national jersey to try to earn their place at the last minute.

This mini-camp will serve as a full-scale test. Questioned by sports television channel Arryadia, the coach clarified that a closed-door match against Burundi was scheduled for May 26 to assess the fitness of the troops. The objective is to dispel final doubts before announcing the identity of the 26 lucky chosen ones. The verdict should come that same evening, although the competition regulations allow an additional deadline running until June 1st.

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The schedule will then accelerate very quickly for the selected players. After a friendly match against Madagascar on June 2 on Moroccan soil, the delegation will fly to the United States to settle in its base camp in New Jersey, at The Pingry School. One final dress rehearsal against Norway on June 7 will perfect the adjustments before entering the deep end of Group C, with successive clashes scheduled on the East Coast against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti.

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