Morocco head coach Mohamed Wahbi has decided to drop six players from his next national team squad. The move is part of a major reassessment following the Atlas Lions' quarter-final exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Which players are being dropped?
According to a report by the Moroccan website "Sport7", the six players Wahbi has settled on excluding are Ayoub El Kaabi, Sofyan Amrabat, Amine Sbai, Youssef Belammari, Marwan Saadane, and goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi. The same source added that other names could also be left out, including Halhal and Amimoni, as part of the coach's intended restructuring. Morocco currently holds the position of the second-best African team in the FIFA rankings.
Why is Wahbi making these changes?
The national team coach appears convinced of the need to renew the squad's makeup after the global tournament. He has sensed a requirement for more varied and effective options, particularly from the substitutes' bench. The source stated that Wahbi wants to try out different players and search for new tactical solutions to give the team more variety and quality. This shake-up comes ahead of important friendly matches listed on our fixtures page.
What is the next step for the team?
Wahbi is set to call up a number of new players during the international camp scheduled for the end of September. The aim is to give these players a chance to prove their worth and integrate with the rest of the squad. The team's performance statistics highlight a need to bolster depth in several areas, especially in midfield and attack. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation's earlier decision to keep Wahbi in his role signals its trust in his ability to lead this renewal phase successfully.
How does this affect the Atlas Lions' future?
This transition is a natural part of any national team's cycle after a major tournament. Losing experienced campaigners like Amrabat and Mohamedi presents a challenge, but it also opens the door for a new generation. The upcoming camp will be a real opportunity for younger players in the national squad to step up. Navigating this transitional period successfully will be important as Morocco prepares for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and begins early planning for the 2030 World Cup.
