Morocco: Kantari’s “heartbreaking” squad for the U17 World Cup, boosted by a major Marseille addition

Coach Ahmed Kantari announced on November 3 the 21 players selected to represent Morocco at the U17 World Cup, held in Qatar from November 19 to December 13, 2026. Marseille forward Ziyad Baha, recently called up to the U20 team, joins returning players including Ismail El Aoud and Ibrahim Rabbaj, as well as PSG goalkeeper Adam Mouak and midfielders Ilian Hadidi and Imran Talai. Kantari said making the selections involved “heartbreaking” decisions; Mouad Gounfissi and Adam Alioui will miss the tournament through injury. Morocco are in Group H with Spain, Fiji and China and aim to match or better their 2025 run.