Morocco has received FIFA approval to include seven dual-nationality players in its squad, continuing an aggressive recruitment strategy as the nation prepares for the 2026 World Cup.
Among the latest call-ups are Fulham defender Issa Diop and Ajax midfielder Rayane Bounida, both named by new coach Mohamed Ouahbi for upcoming friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay.
The 29-year-old Diop previously represented France at youth level, while Bounida is one of six players under 20 who have switched allegiance this month from Belgium or the Netherlands.
FIFA rules allow such changes when players have not appeared in senior competitive matches for another country and have familial ties.
Morocco, who made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup as Africa’s first semifinalists, are drawn to face Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in the 2026 tournament, with matches to be played across the United States.
The Moroccan Football Federation, led by Fouzi Lekjaa, has increasingly focused on tapping into its European diaspora, a strategy that previously helped integrate key players such as Hakim Ziyech and Sofyan Amrabat.
Since March last year, FIFA has approved 16 eligibility switches to Morocco, including players from France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Norway, strengthening the squad ahead of both the 2026 World Cup and the 2030 tournament, which Morocco will co-host.
