Omar El Hilali targets Morocco return for AFCON and World Cup

Morocco defender Omar El Hilali says he remains determined to return to the Atlas Lions squad and hopes to represent his country at the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup.

The 22-year-old Espanyol right-back believes his performances for the Spanish club will be crucial to earning another international opportunity as he continues to work towards a return to the Morocco setup.

“I hope to return. Representing your country is one of the most beautiful things a footballer can experience, and I would be very happy if that happens,” El Hilali said.

The Espanyol academy graduate has made one senior appearance for Morocco but has not featured for the national team since making his debut in September 2025.

El Hilali puts club form first

El Hilali recognises that a return to the Atlas Lions must be earned through his performances at club level.

“If you perform well, you will always have a chance to join the national team. If you are not at your best, your chances decrease significantly,” he explained.

The defender says he will remain patient if he is overlooked for upcoming squads and intends to continue working towards another opportunity.

“When the time comes, my turn will come,” he said. “If I am called up, I will be very happy. If not, I will keep working hard until one day I return.”

El Hilali has made a strong start to the new LaLiga campaign with Espanyol, featuring for 345 minutes across the club’s opening four matches.

Morocco omissions have been difficult

The right-back has experienced success with Morocco at youth level, helping the country win the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

That triumph also secured Morocco’s place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but El Hilali’s senior international career has yet to reach the same level.

He was first called into Walid Regragui’s senior squad in March 2025 before making his debut later that year against Zambia in Ndola.

El Hilali replaced Mohamed Chibi in the closing stages of Morocco’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory, which remains his only senior appearance for the Atlas Lions.

He subsequently missed Morocco’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, where the hosts reached the final before losing 1-0 to Senegal after extra time, and was also left out of the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Those omissions were difficult for the defender, who admitted they made him question what more he could have done before eventually accepting the situation and supporting Morocco as a fan.

Espanyol defender keeps AFCON and World Cup dream alive

El Hilali, who turns 23 on September 12, remains a regular for Espanyol and is focused on maintaining his form in Spain.

The defender believes there will be further opportunities to establish himself internationally and remains hopeful of featuring at Morocco’s biggest tournaments.

“In football there are always second and third chances,” El Hilali said. “I hope one day to play in the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup, but right now I am 100% focused on what I am doing with Espanyol.