Zakaria El Ouahdi targets a place in Morocco’s 2026 World Cup squad

Moroccan youngster Zakaria El Ouahdi has set his sights firmly on a place in the Atlas Lions’ 2026 FIFA World Cup squad after clinching the prestigious Ebony Shoe, awarded to the best African player in the Belgian Pro League.

The K.R.C. Genk right-back believes the accolade could significantly strengthen his chances of earning a call-up to the Morocco national football team. Speaking after receiving the award, El Ouahdi made his ambitions clear.

“I think about the World cup every day since it is everyone’s dream. I wish to be a part of the Moroccan National Team, and I’ll do the best I can to be present there,” El Ouahdi said in a statement after winning the award.

The 24-year-old also spoke about the influence of Achraf Hakimi, whom he regards as a major inspiration in his career. He did not hide his admiration for the Paris Saint-Germain star while reflecting on his own journey.

“I follow Achraf closely and he serves as an inspiration to me,” he said. “I am honored to win this award and to be among the big names that have already won this prize, such as Mbark Boussoufa, and Romelu Lukaku.”

El Ouahdi’s rise has been powered by an outstanding campaign in Belgium, where he has become a key figure for Genk. His return of 12 goals and five assists in 41 appearances underlines his growing influence and attacking threat from the right-back position.

With this latest achievement, he becomes only the third Moroccan to win the Ebony Shoe, following the footsteps of Boussoufa and Tarik Tissoudali. The recognition adds to his growing list of honours, having also secured the Belgian Lion award last year, given to players of North African descent in the Belgian top flight.

As competition for places intensifies ahead of the World Cup, El Ouahdi’s form and confidence could not be better timed, as he pushes to turn his ambition into a place on football’s biggest stage.