Moroccan and Arab football fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where the Lions of the Atlas hope to repeat — or even surpass — their historic achievements from Qatar 2022.
However, Morocco will enter the tournament without several major stars and key players who helped shape the national team’s recent success.
Between injuries, technical decisions, and fierce competition for places, Mohamed Ouahbi’s final squad excludes a number of experienced internationals and highly promising young talents.
Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri Among the Biggest Absences
The absence of several high-profile attacking players has generated strong reactions among supporters.
- Hakim Ziyech
- Youssef En-Nesyri
- Sofiane Boufal
All three players played important roles during previous international tournaments and were considered central figures within the national team over recent years.
Their absence leaves a major emotional and tactical gap for Moroccan supporters ahead of the tournament.
Several Experienced Defenders and Midfielders Also Missing
Morocco will also be without several experienced defensive and midfield players.
- Jawad El Yamiq
- Adam Masina
- Mohamed Chibi
- Rabie Hrimat
These players previously contributed valuable experience and squad depth during recent international competitions.
Young European Talents Left Out
The final squad exclusions also affect several young Moroccan talents playing in Europe’s top leagues.
- Amin Adli
- Eliesse Ben Seghir
- Ilias Akhomach
- Imran Louza
- Sofiane Kourouani
- Ismael Baouf
- Ryan Bouanida
- Yanis Begraoui
- Othmane Maamma
Their exclusion highlights the extremely high competition level within Morocco’s current player pool.
Olympic Team and Local League Stars Also Miss Out
Several players who impressed with Morocco’s Olympic team and in the domestic league also failed to make the final squad.
- Hamza Igamane
- Osama Targhalline
- Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal
- Yasser Zabiri
- Toufik Bentayeb
Some of these players are still viewed as important prospects for Morocco’s future beyond the 2026 tournament.
Technical Decisions and Injury Problems
Most absences were reportedly linked to technical choices made by coach Mohamed Ouahbi and his staff.
Others were impacted by injuries or physical concerns during the final preparation phase.
The coaching staff prioritized squad balance, tactical flexibility, and player readiness ahead of the tournament.
Top 20 Players Missing From Morocco’s World Cup 2026 Squad
Can Morocco’s New Generation Deliver Again?
These major absences place additional pressure on Morocco’s new generation of players selected for the tournament.
The technical staff now faces the challenge of building a balanced and competitive squad capable of preserving the momentum created during the historic 2022 World Cup campaign.
Supporters across Morocco and the Arab world are now waiting to see whether the new faces can once again surprise global football.
