Zakaria El Ouahdi targets playing at AFCON 2027 with Morocco

Morocco international Zakaria El Ouahdi has made playing at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations a major target as he looks to strengthen his place in the national team.

The 24-year-old right-back told German newspaper Hamburger Abendblatt that he was determined to earn a place in Morocco’s squad for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

“I really want to participate in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. I want to be part of it with the Moroccan national team,” El Ouahdi said.

El Ouahdi praises Morocco’s football development

The defender also praised the progress of Moroccan football, highlighting the role of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) in supporting the national team and its players.

“Everyone can now see what we are capable of achieving. We have become a big family, and many Moroccans are now playing for major European clubs,” he said.

Morocco’s international reputation has grown since their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, when they became the first African and Arab nation to reach that stage.

Bundesliga move strengthens El Ouahdi’s ambitions

El Ouahdi joined Hamburger SV from Belgian side Genk in August 2026, taking his career to Germany’s Bundesliga.

During his time at Genk, he established himself as an attack-minded right-back, contributing goals and assists while fulfilling his defensive responsibilities. He is now continuing his development at Hamburger SV as he competes for a place in Morocco’s squad.

The defender was part of Morocco’s 2026 World Cup squad and featured in the Atlas Lions’ quarter-final defeat by France. He also gained international experience with Morocco’s Olympic team, which won bronze at the 2024 Paris Games.

Morocco have made a positive start to their qualifying campaign for the 2027 AFCON, beating Gabon and Lesotho 2-0 in their opening two matches.

With the tournament in his sights, El Ouahdi will be hoping his performances at club level help him secure a place in Morocco’s squad.