World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Zakaria El Ouahdi comments on his omission from the Morocco squad

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·7 September 2025

World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Zakaria El Ouahdi comments on his omission from the Morocco squad

The player expresses his surprise and remains determined to support Morocco

Zakaria El Ouahdi

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Zakaria El Ouahdi has voiced his surprise at not being included in Morocco's squad for the 7th and 8th rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Genk defender acknowledges the challenge of competing with Achraf Hakimi, whom he considers the best full-back in the world.

El Ouahdi does not hide his disappointment over missing out on the call-up for the matches against Niger and Zambia. The 24-year-old had hoped to regain a spot in Walid Regragui's group after his last selection in June. He emphasizes that simply being part of the national team would have been a tremendous source of pride for him.

"I'm also surprised not to have been called up. Of course, with Hakimi, the best full-back in the world, it's tough to find a place. But what matters to me is helping my country, no matter where the coach puts me. Just being part of the squad would have been amazing for me," said El Ouahdi, following the announcement of the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

El Ouahdi understands the national coach's decisions, while hoping to contribute to the team as soon as the opportunity arises. The Atlas Lions claimed a commanding 5-0 victory over Niger on Friday, September 5. This win secured Morocco's place as the first African team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.