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.

May 26 : New Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi has selected Nayef Aguerd in his 26-player World Cup squad despite the defender having not played since early March but left out forward…

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

Morocco kicks off its World Cup campaign against Brazil, before taking on Scotland and Haiti in Group C.