Published 6 days ago • loading... • Updated 4 days ago
Morocco's Hakimi Among 9 Picked for World Cup Returning From Historic 2022 Squad
Mohamed Ouahbi included uncapped Ayyoub Bouaddi and kept Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bounou as Morocco blended experience with youth.
Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi named uncapped Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi to his 26-man World Cup squad on Tuesday, alongside Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi and nine other players from the nation's 2022 semifinal team.
Ouahbi was appointed in March following Morocco's Africa Cup of Nations campaign, replacing Walid Regragui after the team lost the final to Senegal four months ago, and guided Morocco to the Under-20 World Cup title last year.
Bouaddi's inclusion caps his remarkable rise after FIFA approved his nationality switch on May 15 following strong Ligue 1 form, while notable absences include playmaker Hakim Ziyech and striker Youssef En-Nesyri, both all-time scoring contributors.
PSG fullback Hakimi may miss the UEFA Champions League final due to a thigh injury but should be available when Morocco faces Brazil on June 13 in East Rutherford, with Ouahbi managing fitness concerns ahead of his first major tournament.
Veteran goalkeeper Yassine Bounou returns for his third World Cup at age 35 as Morocco seeks to build on its historic 2022 semifinal run, though the team's disputed African championship could be lost at the Court of Arbitration for Sport where Senegal has appealed.
Ayyoub Bouaddi assured that participating in the World Cup under the colors of Morocco "does not take away the pride and recognition of having been able to wear the jersey" of the Blues in young.