FC Twente defender Julien Mesbahi has officially switched international allegiance to Morocco and will represent the country in the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
FIFA confirmed the approval of his nationality change, clearing the 19-year-old to join Morocco’s U20 squad for the tournament, which runs from April 26 to May 18, 2025.
Key Addition to Morocco’s U20 Squad
Born to a Moroccan father and a Dutch mother, Mesbahi previously featured for the Netherlands at youth level, playing from U16 to U18. However, he has now opted to represent Morocco on the international stage.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) finalized the administrative process, with FIFA officially validating his switch on March 18. The FRMF confirmed the decision in a statement released on Wednesday evening.
As part of their U20 AFCON preparations, Morocco will play three friendly matches at the Mohammed VI Football Complex—two against Ghana on March 21 and March 24, and one against Sierra Leone on March 22.
Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi sees Mesbahi as a key reinforcement in defense, expecting him to play an important role in the squad.
Bright Future in Morocco’s Colors
Mesbahi has been regarded as a rising talent in Dutch football. Though primarily part of FC Twente’s reserve team, he made his senior debut earlier this season, featuring briefly in a league match against NEC Nijmegen in August.
By committing to Morocco, the young defender becomes a significant addition to the Atlas Lions’ squad just weeks before the start of the continental competition.
استدعاء جوليان المصباحي للمنتخب الوطني لأقل من 20 سنة
Juliën Mesbahi’s call-up to the U20 National Team#DimaMaghrib 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/fTnYIYTiDl
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) March 19, 2025
