Arab Cup Ambition: Morocco's 26-Man Call-Up Fueled by Hamdallah and Ben Cherki

Arab Cup Squad Reveal

Morocco’s coach Tariq Skiti announced a 26-player roster for the Arab Cup during a Friday press conference, highlighting a mix of domestic league standouts and seasoned internationals. The squad is led by captain Rabih Harimat, the standout scorer from the Royal Army club, with the hope of delivering a breakthrough performance in a competition that matters to Moroccan fans.

The group includes two goalkeepers: Mehdi Benabid and Salah-ud-Din Shihab, and a broad array of defenders, midfielders, and forwards from both domestic teams and clubs abroad. Among the notable selections are players from the strong Moroccan outfits that dominated last season’s league table and cup runs, alongside several internationals who have gained valuable experience abroad.

The roster also features a few familiar names plying their trade outside Morocco, with the aim of leveraging their international exposure to bolster the squad’s quality and depth. The announcement stressed that the objective remains clear: Morocco will compete for the Arab Cup title, a historic ambition that would echo the team’s past success and hopes for a revival of glory observed in previous campaigns.

The coach underscored that the selection process weighed heavily on quality, competitiveness, and the ability to respond to Skiti’s tactical plans. He acknowledged there were challenges in narrowing the list due to the closeness of talent across players, and noted the strategic value of including some veteran players who have previously represented the national team, especially those who play abroad, to support the squad’s balance and cohesion.

Skiti also spoke about the broader significance of this tournament, describing it as the third major challenge Morocco faces in a compact year, while reaffirming the national team’s aim to perform strongly and keep the country’s football momentum alive ahead of future opportunities.

In addition to the goalkeepers and field players, the selection features several key names from Moroccan clubs, with a noticeable presence from the nation’s top teams and a nod to those gaining experience abroad. The inclusion of players from teams such as Wydad Casablanca, AS FAR Rabat, and RS Berkane signals the federation’s intent to blend local talent with international insights as they chase success on home soil and beyond.

As for the captaincy and leadership, the roster includes veterans and rising stars who are expected to help navigate the competition’s pressure, maintain discipline, and implement Skiti’s game plan on match days. The coach’s comments emphasized unity, collective effort, and a focus on achieving tangible results rather than chasing individual accolades.

In his closing remarks, Skiti reiterated the frustration at the limited preparation window and the fatigue some players carry from recent campaigns. He defended his approach, explaining that a calm, focused environment helps mitigate pressure and keeps the squad free to perform at their best against diverse opponents. He added that discretion in training—choosing to minimize public scrutiny and media noise—remains part of his strategy to cultivate a productive camp environment.

Historically, Skiti has steered Morocco through challenging contexts, and his team is looking to translate that experience into a successful Arab Cup run. Morocco has a track record of strong showings in regional tournaments, and if the current group can replicate that form, the country could reignite its competitiveness on the regional stage.

Key note – The squad’s confidence will be tested from the get-go, with the Arab Cup serving as a proving ground for both emerging talents and seasoned internationals ready to contribute.

In short, Morocco’s Arab Cup squad blends domestic reliance with international exposure, underpinned by a leadership core and a clear quest for title glory. The road ahead will test depth, tactical discipline, and the ability to translate training notes into competitive performances on game days.

And remember: if the team wins, the celebrations will be legendary; if they lose, well, you can always blame the jet lag—three time zones and a coffee shortage, obviously.

Two light-hearted lines to keep the vibe up: 1) If football is 90 minutes of drama, Morocco just handed in the script in 26 pages. 2) They say defense wins championships—good news, Morocco brought the entire back line and a few extra blocks for safety.