Morocco has been cleared by FIFA to select seven dual nationals, including Fulham defender Issa Diop and Ajax midfielder Rayane Bounida, ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. The 29-year-old Diop, who has French youth and under-21 international experience, and Bounida, who has changed eligibility from Belgium, are among the seven players recruited by Morocco this month. All seven players have direct family ties to Morocco, which allows them to change national eligibility under FIFA rules.
The seven players cleared by FIFA include Benjamin Khaderi and Sami Bouhoudane, both 18-year-olds from PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Utrecht defender Oualid Agougil, 20, and Feyenoord's 18-year-old Ayoud Ouarghi. Genk midfielder Saif Eddien Lazar, who had represented Belgium, and 20-year-old Ajax midfielder Rayane Bounida are the other two players cleared by FIFA.
The Morocco national team, under the leadership of coach Mohamed Ouahbi, will feature the seven players in upcoming World Cup warm-up games against Ecuador and Paraguay. Morocco has been drawn in a group with Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti for the 2026 World Cup, with games scheduled in the United States and Atlanta.
Issa Diop's inclusion in the Moroccan squad is a significant boost for the team's chances in the 2026 World Cup. The experienced defender's addition will strengthen the team's defense and provide a much-needed boost to their title aspirations. With Diop and other dual nationals on board, Morocco is poised to make a strong impact in the tournament.
