Morocco Calls Up Belgian League Defenders El Ouahdi and Halhal for 2026 World Cup

Morocco has selected zakaria-el-ouahdi" class="entity-link entity-link--player">Zakaria El Ouahdi from Genk and Redouane Halhal from Mechelen for their 2026 World Cup squad, reinforcing their commitment to integrating Belgian Pro League talent into their defensive setup. The decision underscores Morocco's evolving approach to squad building following their historic semi-final run in Qatar.

Coach Walid Regragui acknowledged the difficulty of the selection process during a press conference.

We have an enormous pool of talent to choose from. Selecting these 26 players was not easy.

Morocco's Belgian Connection: Why El Ouahdi and Halhal Matter

The Belgian Pro League has become a crucial talent pipeline for Morocco's national team. El Ouahdi, who plays right-back for Genk, brings pace and attacking thrust from deep positions. His performances in Belgium's top flight have caught the attention of Morocco's coaching staff as they seek versatile defenders capable of contributing in multiple phases.

Halhal, meanwhile, offers defensive solidity from his position at Mechelen. The centre-back's physical presence and aerial ability address specific tactical needs within Morocco's system.

Belgian League's Growing Influence

The selection of these two defenders reflects a broader trend in African football. The Belgian Pro League has become a proving ground for players with dual nationality, offering:

• Regular first-team football at a competitive level
• Exposure to European tactical systems
• A pathway to bigger leagues while maintaining international visibility

For Morocco specifically, the Belgian connection runs deep. The country's large Moroccan diaspora means numerous players develop through Belgian academies before choosing their international allegiance.

Building on 2022: How Morocco's Squad Strategy Has Evolved

Morocco's fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup changed perceptions about African football's ceiling. The Atlas Lions defeated Belgium, Spain, and Portugal en route to becoming the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final.

That success was built on a core of European-based players who brought tactical sophistication and physical conditioning from top leagues. The inclusion of El Ouahdi and Halhal suggests Morocco is doubling down on this approach rather than reverting to a more domestically focused selection policy.

Defensive Depth as Priority

Morocco conceded just one goal from open play throughout their 2022 World Cup campaign. Their defensive organisation became their trademark, with Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, and Romain Saïss forming an almost impenetrable unit.

The addition of El Ouahdi and Halhal provides crucial depth in defensive positions. With the expanded 48-team format potentially requiring teams to play up to eight matches, squad rotation becomes essential for maintaining defensive intensity throughout the tournament.

Continuity Under Regragui

Walid Regragui's willingness to call up Belgian-based defenders demonstrates his commitment to meritocracy over geography. The coach has consistently selected players based on form rather than the prestige of their leagues, a philosophy that served Morocco well in Qatar.

What This Means for Morocco's World Cup Chances and Betting Markets

Morocco enters the 2026 World Cup qualification as one of Africa's strongest teams. Their odds have shortened considerably since their 2022 heroics, with bookmakers now rating them among the top 20 favourites to win the tournament.

The integration of El Ouahdi and Halhal affects Morocco's prospects in several ways:

• Increased squad depth reduces injury risk concerns for bettors
• Tactical flexibility with El Ouahdi's ability to play multiple positions
• Maintained defensive solidity that underpinned their 2022 success

Market Implications

For betting markets, Morocco's continued recruitment of European-based talent suggests they're building for another deep tournament run. Their group stage odds will likely reflect their status as a seeded team, while their knockout stage potential depends on maintaining the defensive excellence that characterised their Qatar campaign.

The Belgian Pro League connection also provides valuable scouting intelligence for bettors. Players performing well in Belgium often translate that form to international level, making El Ouahdi and Halhal's club performances worth monitoring ahead of the tournament.

What Happens Next

Morocco's squad selection sets the tone for their World Cup preparation. The integration of El Ouahdi and Halhal will be tested in upcoming friendlies and qualification matches, where Regragui must blend new additions with his established core.

The Atlas Lions' ability to repeat their 2022 success hinges on maintaining defensive stability while evolving their attacking play. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams across North American host cities, Morocco's depth and versatility could prove decisive in navigating a longer, more demanding competition.