KV Mechelen defender rewarded for clubs good season with spot in Morocco’s World Cup squad | OneFootball

Morocco have announced their 26 man squad for the upcoming World Cup. The Atlas Lions, who made history in 2022 by going further than any African side has gone before, have included a number of talented players who have come through at Belgian clubs. One player who is still playing in Belgium is Redouane Halhal. The 23-year-old defender, formerly of Montpellier, made his first starts for KV Mechelen this season and the clubs good campaign has seen him rewarded with a spot in the final 26.

Given the other players in his position, it is unlikely that Halhal will be a starter for the Atlas Lions at the World Cup. The defender joined Mechelen back in 2024 and was immediately loaned out to Helmond Sport. After 32 games for Helmond Sport, Halhal became a regular for the Mechelen team on his return. This season he played 34 games as Mechelen finished in the top six and had a chance of qualifying for Europe. Sadly, they were poor during the play-offs and were unable to secure a European ticket.

Being included in the Moroccan squad for the World Cup will certainly raise the profile of the defender who is under contract with Mechelen until 2027. However, how much game time he will actually get this summer remains to be seen.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson