Morocco coach Walid Regragui named a 28-man star studded squad as the Atlas Lions prepare to host the 35th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations between 21st December 2025 and January 18th 2026.
The squad, revealed on Thursday, includes the country’s top stars, such as Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, Sofyan Amrabat, and striker Youssef En-Nesyri.
Despite a recent serious ankle injury, Hakimi has been included, expected to miss the opening matches, but Regragui emphasized his leadership is too crucial to omit.
Morocco enters the tournament under significant pressure, widely regarded as the favorite following a record streak of 18 consecutive victories.
The Atlas Lions face immense expectations from home fans to secure their second trophy since 1976, when they first became champions.
Regragui’s final list strengthens the core that reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final and has dominated African football over the past two years.
Defensive stalwarts Romain Saïss and Nayef Aguerd return, joined by rising Rennes center-back Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, who continues his rapid rise after debuting in November.
The full-back lineup remains among Africa’s strongest, with Noussair Mazraoui and Adam Masina complementing Hakimi and young left-back Anass Salah-Eddine.
In midfield, Morocco will depend on a technically skilled and dynamic group, including Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss, Ismael Saibari, Neil El Aynaoui, Oussama Targhalline, and the seasoned Sofyan Amrabat.
The attack boasts an impressive blend of seasoned finishers and emerging talents. Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi lead the line, supported by creative wide players Soufiane Rahimi, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Ilias Akhomach, Eliesse Ben Seghir, and Brahim Diaz, who has revitalized Morocco’s attacking play since switching allegiance.
Meanwhile, forward Hamza Igamane, one of Morocco’s top club football scorers this season, is on the reserve list as he recovers from a thigh injury.
He is joined by left-back Youssef Belammari, with both players eligible for call-up before the tournament begins. Morocco, drawn in Group A, will kick off the tournament against Comoros on the 21st, followed by matches against Mali and Zambia.
