The Moroccan national team has officially confirmed its 27-man squad for the upcoming training camp, marking a significant moment in the country’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Among the standout inclusions are five players from the Eredivisie, Holland’s top professional football league, reflecting the growing global reach of Moroccan talent.

At the forefront of this group is Rayane Bounida, the 19-year-old Ajax forward who has been touted as one of football’s brightest prospects since his childhood. His inclusion comes after a standout season in the Eredivisie, where he has been a key player for Ajax’s youth and senior teams. For Bounida, this camp represents his first opportunity to train with the senior national team, a milestone that could set the stage for a World Cup debut.

Rayane Bounida joins the Moroccan squad for the first time

Maroc a annoncé sa sélection de 27 joueurs pour le stage de préparation au Mondial 2026. Rayane Bounida, 19 ans, fait partie du groupe pour la première fois.

📍 Stage en cours

🗓️ Préparation pour la Coupe du Monde 2026

Five Eredivisie Players Join Morocco’s World Cup Camp

The five Eredivisie-based players joining the camp are:

• Rayane Bounida (Ajax)
• Abdelhamid Sabiri (AZ Alkmaar)
• Amine Adli (Feyenoord)
• Oussama Idrissi (Feyenoord)
• Zouhair Ziyech (Ajax)

This represents a strategic move by Morocco, as these players bring a blend of experience and youthful energy to the squad. Ziyech, a veteran of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, will provide leadership, while Bounida and Adli offer dynamic attacking options. The inclusion of these players also highlights the growing importance of the Eredivisie as a breeding ground for international talent.

What This Means for Morocco’s World Cup Preparations

With the World Cup just over a year away, Morocco’s camp serves as a crucial evaluation period. The Atlas Lions will use this time to assess fitness, chemistry, and tactical cohesion. The presence of Eredivisie players adds a layer of technical sophistication that could be pivotal in Morocco’s quest to defend their African Cup of Nations title and make a deep run in the World Cup.

Rayane Bounida: The Breakout Star

Bounida’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. Discovered at a young age, he has been compared to some of football’s greatest talents, including Kylian Mbappé. His speed, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing have made him a standout player in Ajax’s youth ranks, and his call-up to the national team is a testament to his rapid development.

“Rayane is a player who can change games. His ability to accelerate past defenders and his vision make him a constant threat. This camp is a big step for him, and we’re excited to see how he grows with the senior team.”

Bounida’s inclusion also puts pressure on the remaining spots in Morocco’s final 26-man World Cup squad. With two more players expected to be cut from the training camp, every performance will be scrutinized. The young forward will need to prove he can handle the physical and tactical demands of international football at the highest level.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the World Cup

Morocco’s training camp is just the beginning of their World Cup preparations. The Atlas Lions will face a series of friendly matches in the coming months, including potential showdowns with other World Cup qualifiers. These games will be critical in fine-tuning the squad and determining the final roster.

Why This Matters for Moroccan Football

Morocco’s success in recent years has inspired a generation of young players to dream of representing their country on the world stage. The inclusion of Eredivisie talent in the national team reflects the global reach of Moroccan football and the increasing quality of the league. For fans, this camp is a source of pride and anticipation, as they watch their players prepare for what could be Morocco’s best-ever World Cup campaign.

As the Atlas Lions continue their preparations, all eyes will be on how these young stars perform under pressure. The World Cup is no longer a distant dream for Morocco—it’s a tangible reality, and the foundation is being laid right now.

Key Takeaways

• Morocco’s 27-man World Cup camp includes five Eredivisie players, highlighting the league’s growing influence in international football.
• Rayane Bounida makes his first call-up to the senior national team, marking a historic moment for Moroccan football.
• The camp serves as a critical evaluation period for Morocco’s World Cup preparations, with two more players expected to be cut.
• The Atlas Lions will use this time to assess fitness, chemistry, and tactical cohesion ahead of the 2026 tournament.
• Morocco’s blend of youth and experience could be a key factor in their bid to defend their African Cup of Nations title and make a deep run in the World Cup.