RABAT: Paris Saint-Germain standout Achraf Hakimi was among nine players from Morocco’s history-making 2022 World Cup squad picked Tuesday for the 2026 tournament in North America. Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who was hired only in March, drew heavily on the country’s diaspora in Europe where the majority of the 26 players he selected were born. Ouahbi was himself born in Belgium while Hakimi and Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz are among five players in the squad born in Spain and whose family ties make them eligible for Morocco.

Diop switched allegiance from France in March and is one of four Premier League players included, with AFCON finalist Adam Masina left out.

La selección de Marruecos disputará el Mundial de 2026 en el Grupo C, en el que se enfrentará a Brasil, Escocia y Haití.