FC Utrecht defender Souffian El Karouani is set for a sensational return to the Morocco national team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
The Atlas Lions are gearing up for the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September and the AFCON tournament scheduled for December in Morocco.
However, Morocco coach Walid Regragui has identified Souffian El Karouani as perfect player to bolster his defense, just months before the World Cup qualifiers and AFCON tournament at large.
Regragui will include the 24-year FC Utrecht left-back, in an expanded 37-player squad for next month’s matches against Congo and Zambia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The 24-year-old has been shining in his club’s recent matches, most recently scoring and assisting in a 4-1 win over Moldovan club Sheriff Tiraspol in the second round of the Europa League qualifiers at the end of July.
The defender previously represented Morocco at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, under former coach Vahid Halilhodzic. Since marking his debut in 2021, the left-back has made only three appearances for the national team.
Having reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar, Morocco are aiming to secure the AFCON tournament on home soil.
