Morocco announce squad for 2026 U-17 AFCON

Hosts Morocco have officially announced their squad for the upcoming 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with head coach Tiago Lima Pereira naming a strong group of locally and foreign-based talents for the continental tournament.

The squad features several exciting young players developing their careers across Europe and North Africa, underlining Morocco’s growing investment in youth football development.

Among the notable inclusions are striker Adam El Maach of Helmond Sports, defender Mehdi Tahri Ayman from RS Berkane, and Toulouse youngster Adam Soudi. Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Marouane Bentaieb and Valencia CF prospect Ismail El Aoud have also earned places in the final team.

The North Africans will also rely on the creativity of Hamza Chialli from Toulouse FC and Chelsea youngster Ibrahim Rabbaj as they aim to impress on home soil.

Morocco’s squad blends players from renowned academies and clubs including Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Standard Liège, Valencia, Feyenoord, and Olympique Lyonnais, highlighting the country’s expanding football footprint across Europe.

Coach Pereira is expected to use the tournament as a platform to showcase Morocco’s next generation of stars following the nation’s recent success at youth and senior international levels.

Morocco U-17 Squad

Goalkeepers:

Adam El Maach, Ayman Tahri, Mehdi Raji

Defenders:

Adam Soudi, Mohamed Habib Zinbi, Marouane Bentaieb, Ismail El Aoud, Oualid Ibn Salah

Midfielders:

Rami Loumgane, Ilian Hadidi, Adam Boughazir, Mohamed Harouch, Adam Ellaky

Forwards:

Aliou Dada, Hamza Chialli, Imran Talal, Ibrahim Rabbaj, Anyan Khadraoui, Adnan El Boujjoufi, Yahya Saidi, Mohamed Amine Moustache, Rayan Yaakoubi, Jassim Jolissani Wael, Ibrahim Faik, Luis Velilles, Ayman Ezzarky

Morocco will be hoping home support can inspire them to challenge for the continental crown when the tournament gets underway.