Morocco have received FIFA approval to add seven dual-nationality players to their squad, continuing an aggressive recruitment drive ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Among the latest additions are Fulham defender Issa Diop and Ajax midfielder Rayane Bounida, both included in new coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad for upcoming friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay.
The 29-year-old Diop previously represented France at youth level, while Bounida is among six players aged 20 or under who have switched allegiance this month from Belgium or the Netherlands. FIFA rules permit such changes when players have not featured in senior competitive matches for another nation and have familial ties.
Morocco, who made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as Africa’s first semifinalists, are set to face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti in the 2026 tournament, with matches scheduled across the United States.
The Moroccan federation, led by Fouzi Lekjaa, has increasingly focused on tapping into its European diaspora, a strategy that previously brought in key figures like Hakim Ziyech and Sofyan Amrabat.
FIFA has approved 16 eligibility switches to Morocco since March last year, including players from France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway, reinforcing the squad ahead of both the 2026 World Cup and the 2030 tournament, which Morocco will co-host.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
