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Morocco strike balance between experience and youth in 2026 WAFCON preliminary squad

Abdul Karim February 27, 2026

Morocco have underlined their growing ambitions in African women’s football by naming a preliminary national team squad that blends established internationals with a new generation of emerging talent ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Head coach Jorge Vilda Rodríguez has opted for continuity and renewal in equal measure, assembling a 32-player roster designed to combine leadership, tactical maturity and youthful dynamism.

The squad will begin preparations this week at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, where the Atlas Lionesses aim to sharpen competitive readiness for what is expected to be one of the most demanding editions of the tournament.

At the heart of the selection is captain Ghizlane Chebbak, whose experience remains central to Morocco’s ambitions following the team’s steady rise on the continental stage. Her presence provides stability within a group that increasingly reflects the country’s investment in youth development and long-term planning.

Among the most notable inclusions is teenage forward Kautar Azraf, the 18-year-old Barcelona attacker earning her first senior call-up after excelling at youth level. Regarded as one of Morocco’s brightest attacking prospects, Azraf is expected to inject pace and directness into the frontline as the technical team seeks greater offensive versatility.

Several familiar faces also return to reinforce squad depth, including Yasmin Mrabet, Salma Amani and Sanaa Mssoudy.

Established performers such as goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, defender Nouhaila Benzina, and attacking duo Sakina Ouzraoui and Fatima Tagnaout further strengthen a squad built to compete rather than merely participate.

The Maâmoura training camp is expected to focus heavily on tactical cohesion and collective chemistry as Morocco attempt to build on the momentum generated after reaching the final when they hosted the tournament in 2024.