Rabat – Salil News : Just weeks before the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Moroccan national team is intensifying its preparations with high ambitions. The latest hours have brought major developments, including young talent Ayoub Bouaddi choosing to represent the Atlas Lions, and a preliminary squad featuring 8 players from the Botola Pro.

⭐ Ayoub Bouaddi officially chooses Morocco

In a major boost for Morocco’s midfield, 18-year-old Ayoub Bouaddi has officially chosen to represent the Moroccan national team, ending speculation about a possible call-up from France. The decision is expected to be formalized in the coming days, after Lille’s match against Monaco in Ligue 1.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has included Bouaddi’s name on the expanded 55-player list submitted to FIFA. The young midfielder is having an exceptional season with Lille, making over 30 appearances despite his age, earning praise for his early maturity and technical abilities.

Bouaddi is expected to feature in friendly matches, including against Madagascar in Rabat and Norway in New York in June, a perfect opportunity to integrate with the squad before the World Cup.

📋 Preliminary squad: 8 players from Botola Pro

According to press reports, the Atlas Lions’ preliminary squad submitted to FIFA includes 8 players from Morocco’s Botola Pro, reflecting coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s openness to local talent.

In goal, the expanded list features several local keepers: Mehdi El Harar (Raja Casablanca), Mehdi Benabid (Wydad Casablanca), Rafik Hrimat (FUS Rabat), Marouane Laâdouani (FUS Rabat), as well as veterans Mounir El Mohammadi and Mounir Chouiar from RS Berkane, bringing the total of local goalkeepers to 7.

⚽ New Jersey training camp and intensive preparation

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has chosen the Pingry School in New Jersey as the Atlas Lions’ base camp for the World Cup. The facility offers ideal conditions with modern infrastructure fully renovated in 2025, located just an hour from New York City.

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi plans an intensive training camp before announcing the final squad, including friendly matches to test players. Morocco will face Madagascar in Rabat before taking on Norway in New York on June 7.

🔄 Friendly preparations and technical challenges

Morocco will face Norway on June 7 in New Jersey, a final opportunity for coach Ouahbi to test his squad before the World Cup. A friendly against Madagascar in Rabat is also scheduled.

The coach is blending experience and youth, with stars like Achraf Hakimi, Youssef En-Nesyri, and Brahim Diaz, alongside new faces like Issa Diop (Fulham) and Ryan Bounida (Ajax). The final 26-player squad must be submitted to FIFA by June 2, 2026.

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