Zakaria El Ouahdi targets Morocco World Cup place amid strong competition

Zakaria El Ouahdi has said that playing at a World Cup with Morocco would fulfil a “childhood dream”, while acknowledging the intense competition for places in the national squad ahead of the tournament.

The KRC Genk right-back made the remarks in an interview with Belgian newspaper HBVL, where he reflected on both his ambitions and the challenge of breaking into a squad packed with established international talent.

“Playing in a World Cup with Morocco would be the culmination of a childhood dream,” Zakaria El Ouahdi said in an interview published Saturday by the Belgian daily “HBVL,” acknowledging at the same time that the competition for a place in the national team remains “extremely strong.”

The 23-year-old highlighted the depth of options available to Morocco in his position, pointing in particular to the presence of Achraf Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in world football.

He also referenced Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United and Omar El Hilali of Espanyol as further strong contenders.

El Ouahdi added that Morocco’s options are not limited to the right side of defence, with additional competition coming from players such as Salah-Eddine of PSV and El Karouani of Utrecht on the left.

Recently integrated into the senior national setup, El Ouahdi made his debut in a friendly against Paraguay at the end of March. He said he hoped he had “left a good impression” during his first appearance at senior international level.

His rise has been shaped by earlier involvement in Morocco’s youth teams, including success at the U23 Africa Cup of Nations under coach Issame Charaï.

He described that experience as a key moment in his development and in strengthening his commitment to the national team.

Despite an impressive club season with Genk, where he recorded 11 goals and three assists in 37 appearances, El Ouahdi stressed the importance of maintaining form and continuing to improve if he is to remain in contention.

He has also been recognised individually, receiving the Belgian Lion 2025 award, which honours the best player of Maghreb origin in Belgium’s top division.

As World Cup preparations continue, El Ouahdi faces a demanding battle to secure a place in Morocco’s final squad, but insists his motivation remains unchanged.