Why Hakim Ziyech Was Omitted from Morocco's 2026 World Cup Squad — and Morocco Won Without Him

Hakim Ziyech is not part of Morocco's squad for the 2026 World Cup after coach Mohamed Ouahbi opted for a much younger attacking group, the latest squad update shows. The decision — reported on 19 June 2026 — follows the March resignation of previous coach Walid Regragui and comes despite Ziyech's recent club productivity for Wydad AC. Morocco opened their campaign without the 33-year-old, beating Scotland 1-0 on 19 June 2026.

Why Ziyech was left out

According to the report, the primary reason for Ziyech's omission was a perceived lack of consistent form in recent seasons. Although the winger has shown productivity at his current club, Wydad AC, the new coach determined that younger options were preferable to refresh Morocco's attacking choices at the World Cup. The source links the selection change directly to Mohamed Ouahbi's arrival following Walid Regragui's departure in March.

Ziyech's club and international trajectory

Ziyech's career arc, as summarised in the source, helps explain why his international role has become uncertain. He made his early professional strides in the Netherlands with Heerenveen and Twente before reaching his peak at Ajax, where he was part of a side that made a deep Champions League run in 2019. Chelsea paid around €40m for Ziyech in 2020, but his spell in the Premier League produced 14 goals in 107 appearances and did not match the heights of his Ajax years.

After Chelsea, his career included spells at Galatasaray and a short stay in Qatar with Al-Duhail before he joined Wydad AC last year. Those moves, combined with intermittent club form, are cited in the report as factors that reduced his standing for national selection.

Ziyech's record for Morocco

On the international front, Ziyech switched his senior allegiance from the Netherlands (youth level) to Morocco and finished with 25 goals in 64 caps according to the source. The report notes he has not played for Morocco since 2024. His standout international moment remains Morocco's run to the World Cup semi-final in Qatar, where he featured before Morocco lost to France.

Morocco won their opening match without him

The match_data confirms Morocco opened their tournament campaign with a 1-0 win over Scotland on 19 June 2026 (kickoff recorded at 22:00 UTC). That result demonstrates Morocco progressed in the tournament at least in their first outing without Ziyech in the squad. The report frames the selection as part of a deliberate refresh rather than a forced omission due to injury or suspension.

• Hakim Ziyech, 33, was omitted from Morocco's 2026 World Cup squad after Mohamed Ouahbi picked a younger attacking group (source: World Soccer Talk).
• Walid Regragui resigned as Morocco coach in March; Ouahbi succeeded him and changed selection approach.
• Ziyech has a senior Morocco record of 25 goals in 64 matches and has not played for the national team since 2024.
• His club path: Heerenveen, Twente, Ajax (best years), Chelsea (€40m move in 2020, 14 goals in 107 matches), Galatasaray, Al-Duhail, then Wydad AC (joined last year).
• Morocco won 1-0 against Scotland on 19 June 2026 without Ziyech.

Why it matters

Ziyech has been one of Morocco's most recognisable attacking players in the last decade. His omission signals a clear tactical and generational shift under a new coach at a major tournament, and it raises questions about the future of veteran internationals who have been central to Morocco's recent successes. It also provides immediate context: Morocco secured a win in their first match without him, which strengthens Ouahbi's early case for the decision.

At the same time, the report does not include an official federation statement or detailed public explanation from Ouahbi, so the long-term consequences for Ziyech's international status remain unconfirmed. Supporters and analysts will watch whether this omission proves a temporary selection choice or the end of Ziyech's World Cup involvement.

What it means / What happens next

For Morocco: the result against Scotland indicates the team can secure positive results while moving toward a younger attack, at least in the short term. For Ziyech: the omission is a clear signal that the national team management prefers different attacking options for this tournament. Unless the federation or coach issues an official clarification or reversal, Ziyech's international future is uncertain and will depend on his club performances and any future communications from Morocco's staff.