Wahbi Unveils Morocco's Midfield Engine for World Cup 2026

World Cup 2026: Morocco's midfield quartet named

Morocco head coach Mohamed Wahbi has clearly defined the midfield core ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, after evaluating players during the Ecuador and Paraguay friendlies. He took over from Walid Regragui and aims to refresh the squad while stabilizing balance across lines.

According to Moroccan outlet Sport 7, Wahbi has settled on four midfielders to anchor the engine: Nayl Aynaoui, Samir Merabet, Rabie Harimet, and Sofyan Amrabat, who will be key figures in the final roster.

Aynaoui earned the starting call thanks to his high physical readiness and his ability to link defense and attack; Merabet delivered a balanced show in the two friendlies. Harimet has earned the coach's trust with his tactical discipline, while Amrabat's international experience is seen as a major asset for the tournament's big matches.

Wahbi plans to invite four players across defensive six and attacking eight roles to diversify the tactical options during the World Cup; it is expected that Aynaoui and Amrabat will vie for the defensive pivot, while Merabet and Harimet provide additional options higher up the midfield.

The squad aims to balance experience and youth as it prepares for a tough Group F that includes France, Japan, and Canada. Morocco will open the World Cup against Japan on June 14 in Vancouver, then face France on June 20 in Dallas, and finish the group against Canada on June 26 in Montreal.

Punchlines: If midfielders were coffee, this quartet would be a triple-shot latte—strong, balanced, and suspiciously good at not spilling the beans. And if patience is a virtue, Wahbi just earned a saint’s halo for naming four saints of the engine room.