Ahly, Pyramids FC defenders named in Morocco squad for World Cup qualifiers

Ahram Online , Thursday 28 Aug 2025

Morocco have recalled defenders Achraf Dari of Ahly and Mohamed Al-Chibi of Pyramids FC for next month’s World Cup qualifiers, with coach Walid Regragui naming a 27-man squad on Wednesday.

Egypt

 

The Atlas Lions, who top Group E with maximum 15 points, face Niger on 5 September at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat before taking on Zambia three days later in Lusaka.

Dari, capped seven times, returns to the national team for the first time since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he featured in the third-place playoff against Croatia.

Although he received call-ups as recently as September 2024, the 25-year-old had not made an appearance since the tournament.

Al-Chibi, who has eight caps, also makes his return after nearly a year out of the squad.

Both players will face off on Saturday when Ahly will host Pyramids FC in an Egyptian League game.

FC Utrecht full back Souffian El Karouani has been recalled after a three-year absence and is expected to fill in for Noussair Mazraoui, who is out with injury.

Al-Ain forward Sofiane Rahimi was omitted due to injury, while winger Hakim Ziyech was left out after failing to secure a new club following his departure from Qatari side Al-Duhail.

Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui received his first senior call-up after choosing to represent Morocco, the country of his heritage, over his birth nation France.

Morocco need just one point from their remaining matches to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

 

 

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