Morocco: Mohamed Ouahbi to name first post-World Cup squad on 17 September

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi is expected to announce his squad for the Atlas Lions’ opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho on 17 September.

The announcement, reported by Moroccan newspaper Al Mountakhab, will be Ouahbi’s first squad selection since the 2026 Fifa World Cup as he begins shaping Morocco’s team for the next phase of their international campaign.

The coach and his technical staff have been monitoring players in Morocco and abroad, with performances at the beginning of the new season likely to influence their decisions.

Competition for places

Ouahbi could make changes to the squad as he assesses players competing for positions in the national team.

Several Moroccan players have made strong starts to the new campaign, both in the domestic league and European competitions, giving the coach a wider pool of players from which to choose.

The selection process will also take into account the physical and technical condition of the players as Ouahbi looks to build a squad capable of competing at continental level.

Morocco camp begins on 21 September

The selected players are due to report to the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmoura on 21 September.

That leaves Ouahbi only a few days to prepare his team before the first qualifier against Gabon.

The opening part of the camp is expected to focus on physical preparation, tactical work and developing understanding between players as Morocco begin preparations for the new AFCON qualifying campaign.

Gabon first, then Lesotho

Morocco will open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Gabon on 25 September at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.

The Atlas Lions will then travel to face Lesotho in their second qualifying fixture.

Ouahbi will be looking for a positive start as he begins building his team beyond the 2026 World Cup.

The September camp will therefore be an important early test for the Morocco coach, with his squad selection providing the first indication of the players he intends to rely on as the Atlas Lions turn their attention to their next continental challenge.