Morocco has announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, drawing heavily on the country's diaspora in Europe. Star player Achraf Hakimi leads a core of nine returning players from the historic 2022 Qatar campaign, where Morocco became the first African team to reach the semifinals.
The majority of the selected players were born abroad, reflecting Morocco's strategy of leveraging dual-nationality talent. The squad blends experienced World Cup veterans with fresh faces, aiming to build on their breakthrough performance.
"We are proud of our roots, but also embrace the diversity that strengthens our team," said a team spokesperson.
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm across Morocco and its diaspora communities, underscoring the team's role as a unifying force.