Morocco World Cup squad: Aguerd risk, core retained

The Aguerd gamble

If the report is accurate, Aguerd is the biggest selection call in the squad.

• Morocco appear to value his organisation and composure as much as his defending.
• A half-fit senior centre-back can still shape a back line with positioning and experience.
• The risk is obvious: tournament football punishes any weakness in rhythm or sharpness.

This is the kind of decision that reveals how a coach sees the squad. Ouahbi appears willing to accept medical uncertainty for tactical trust. That usually means the staff believe the drop-off to the next option is significant.

Stability without standing still

The broader picture is less dramatic and more sensible. Keeping Hakimi and Amrabat as leadership pillars preserves the team’s identity.

• Hakimi gives Morocco thrust, personality and elite-level experience.
• Amrabat still looks like the reference point for control and defensive balance.
• Reported changes around them suggest renewal without ripping up the structure.

That matters after a cycle in which Morocco moved from dangerous outsider to team opponents genuinely respect. A complete reset would have been the bigger gamble.

A hard opening path

The opening group games against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti look like an immediate stress test for this blend of continuity and refresh.

• Brazil will test the defensive ceiling.
• Scotland should test Morocco’s control and patience.
• Haiti could become a high-pressure must-win, depending on the start.

The next storyline is clear: whether Ouahbi’s stable spine can absorb change quickly enough. If Morocco come through the opening stretch with authority, this squad will look carefully built rather than cautiously assembled.