Morocco's national football team is set to benefit from an influx of new talent, having secured FIFA's authorization to include seven players with dual nationalities. This development is a key part of the team's preparation strategy leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Notable among the newly eligible players are Fulham defender Issa Diop and Ajax midfielder Rayane Bounida. Both have been named in the provisional squad by new coach Mohamed Ouahbi for upcoming friendly fixtures against Ecuador and Paraguay. These matches will serve as crucial opportunities to integrate the new players.
Diop, aged 29, has previously represented France at junior levels, while Bounida is one of six talents aged 20 or younger who have recently switched their international allegiance. These players previously represented nations such as Belgium and the Netherlands. FIFA regulations permit such nationality switches provided the players have not participated in senior competitive matches for their former national teams and possess familial links to Morocco.
The Moroccan team achieved a historic milestone at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African nation to reach the semifinals. For the 2026 tournament, Morocco is scheduled to compete against Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, with matches taking place across various venues in the United States.
Under the leadership of federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, Morocco has significantly intensified its efforts to scout and recruit players from its diaspora living in Europe. This approach has proven successful in the past, contributing to the integration of prominent players like Hakim Ziyech and Sofyan Amrabat into the national squad.
Since March of the previous year, FIFA has sanctioned a total of 16 eligibility changes for players representing Morocco. This includes individuals from countries such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Norway, thereby strengthening the team not only for the 2026 World Cup but also for the 2030 tournament, which Morocco is set to co-host.
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