Morocco’s Ouahbi defends World Cup choices ahead of 2026 tournament

Mohamed Ouahbi said Tuesday that selecting Morocco’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was a difficult process due to the limited time available and the large pool of players monitored in recent months.

Speaking during a press conference at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, the Morocco coach said the training camp held in March served as a key benchmark in evaluating players, while stressing that the door remained open to all candidates.

“I couldn’t call up 40 players at once,” Ouahbi said, explaining that the technical staff closely monitored a wide range of players through scouting trips, direct communication and match analysis.

The coach said the staff “left nothing to chance” in compiling the final roster, emphasizing that the objective was not only to select the best individual talents, but also players capable of fitting into the team’s tactical identity and long-term project.

Ouahbi said the most recent training camp had two main goals: maintaining the fitness of players whose club seasons had ended early, and gaining a deeper understanding of players included in the preliminary squad.

He noted that evaluating players within the national team’s tactical structure differs significantly from assessing them during club matches.

“We had a very good camp on every level,” he said, praising the players’ discipline, professionalism and intensity during training sessions.

The Morocco coach added that tactical compatibility was one of the decisive criteria in the final selections, alongside the players’ ability to adapt to the style of play the national team intends to implement at the World Cup.

Regarding fitness concerns, Ouahbi said fatigue would affect all participating teams following a long season that also included the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

“The bigger challenge may be mental rather than physical,” he said, stressing the importance of mental recovery ahead of the tournament.

Ouahbi also addressed the condition of defender Nayef Aguerd, saying the player is progressing well in his recovery program.

“Nayef put Morocco above everything else,” the coach said, recalling the defender’s determination to play through injury during the Africa Cup of Nations.

He added that reserve player Marouane Saadane had been included as a precaution in case Aguerd is unable to recover in time.

The coach also highlighted the rise of young forward Ayoub Amimouni, saying the player earned his place after being closely monitored in Germany.

“He deserves his place with us,” Ouahbi said, citing the player’s speed, dynamism, defensive commitment and ability to quickly absorb tactical instructions.

On goalkeeper selection, the coach said Munir Mohamedi has recovered well from injury and remains in contention alongside the other goalkeepers during the preparation phase.

Ouahbi also addressed the absence of Sofiane Boufal from the final squad, acknowledging that the winger deserved consideration but that roster limitations forced difficult decisions.

“If I could call up 30 or 40 players, Boufal would have been included,” he said.

According to Ouahbi, the coaching staff ultimately favored players whose profiles better matched the team’s tactical philosophy, particularly in wide areas and transition play.

He concluded by sending a message to Moroccan supporters, promising that the team would do everything possible to make the country proud during the World Cup.