Yassir Zabiri earns first Morocco senior call-up ahead of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Yassir Zabiri has been called up to the Morocco senior team for the first time after making a strong impression with the country’s Under-20 side.

The young forward is part of the squad preparing for Morocco’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Gabon on Friday, 25 September, in Rabat. He said the promotion to the senior set-up was a significant moment in his career and that he had settled quickly among the Lions of Atlas.

“It is a great emotion,” Zabiri said in comments reported by Le 360 Sport.

The forward has also benefited from the presence of several players he already knows, helping him adjust to the demands of the senior national team and making his first experience with the squad more straightforward.

Zabiri arrives with considerable expectations after playing a key role in Morocco’s run at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. His performances at that tournament raised his profile, and his first senior call-up represents the next stage of his international career.

Despite the attention surrounding his arrival, Zabiri has focused on the support he has received from his team-mates and Morocco supporters. He expressed his appreciation for their encouragement as he begins working with the senior side.

Morocco’s first assignment will be against Gabon in Rabat on Friday, 25 September, when their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign begins.

The Lions of Atlas will then travel to South Africa to face Lesotho on 29 September. Their schedule continues with a friendly against Ghana in Tangier on 4 October.

The run of three fixtures gives Zabiri an opportunity to make his senior debut, although his immediate priority is to adapt fully to the group and make the most of the confidence shown in him by Morocco.