Morocco Name 26-Man World Cup Squad — Hakimi Headlines Despite Champions League Final Duty; En-Nesyri Omitted

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi named the Atlas Lions' final 26-man World Cup squad on May 26, headlined by captain Achraf Hakimi (PSG) — who must first play the UEFA Champions League Final vs Arsenal on May 31 before joining the national team camp. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal) and Nayef Aguerd (West Ham) are also key picks. Notable omission: Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahçe), who had been one of Morocco's most prolific strikers in recent years. Morocco open Group C vs Brazil at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey on June 13; then Scotland in Foxborough on June 19; then Haiti in Hard Rock Stadium Miami on June 24. Morocco, who sensationally reached the 2022 World Cup semi-finals before losing to France, are expected to be one of the most competitive African sides in the expanded 48-team format. Ouahbi's squad has a blend of European-based stars and domestic league players. 16 days to kickoff.