Morocco Preselects Adnane Abid as Belgium Calls to Learn His Decision

The first move came from Morocco. Last week, Standard Liège was informed that Adnane Abid had been provisionally called up by the Atlas Lions. According to information reported on Wednesday, October 28, by Le Soir, Simon Mignolet, technical director of the Belgian FA, then contacted the player to ask whether he had already chosen his national team.

Standard are going through a difficult spell, with four consecutive defeats, but their winger continues to stand out. Abid has scored three goals in nine league games. On October 16, he also scored in the Belgian Cup against Dender, before playing a part in the second goal in the victory.

A dream of playing for Morocco, with a decision now awaited

The attention from both federations comes as Abid had already made clear his preference for Morocco. In December 2024, he told the Belgian press that he had dreamed since childhood of representing his parents’ country. Born in Verviers and trained in particular at Genk, he has nonetheless worn the Belgian shirt at several youth levels, through to the under-19s.

His progress at Standard is changing the picture. Having joined from Patro Eisden in the summer of 2025, the winger is playing only his second season in Belgium’s top flight. His performances have also attracted interest from several European clubs.

The situation recalls that of Rayane Bounida, who chose Morocco after playing for Belgium’s youth teams, as well as that of Chemsdine Talbi. These two precedents illustrate the interest federations take in dual-nationality players.

Mohamed Ouahbi must now finalize his squad for the matches against Niger, scheduled for November 13 and 17. Adnane Abid could earn his first call-up to the Atlas Lions.