Morocco calls up Noussair Mazraoui for upcoming matches as new coach signals merit-based era

Noussair Mazraoui is back in the Morocco fold. The Manchester United right-back has been named in a 29-player squad for the country’s upcoming September international window, marking his return under new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

The squad announcement, made at the Mohammed VI Football Complex on 17 September 2026, sets the stage for a pair of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers: a home match against Gabon on 25 September and an away trip to Lesotho four days later. A friendly against Ghana is also on the calendar.

Mazraoui’s return and Ouahbi’s new philosophy

Mazraoui’s inclusion represents more than a routine squad rotation. The 28-year-old has been on the outside looking in since Morocco’s quarter-final exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a result that prompted a coaching change and a broader reset of the national team’s direction.

Mohamed Ouahbi, who took charge following that tournament, has made it clear that reputation alone won’t guarantee a plane ticket. His selection philosophy centers on current form and merit, a departure from the more loyalty-driven approach that characterized previous regimes.

The defender has been a consistent presence in Manchester United’s lineup since arriving from Bayern Munich in August 2024, and his return to the national team suggests Ouahbi is satisfied with what he’s seeing at club level.

Mazraoui has accumulated over 50 senior international appearances since making his debut in 2018.

A decorated recent history

Mazraoui was a central figure in the team’s extraordinary run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals in Qatar, where Morocco became the first African nation to reach the final four of a World Cup. Morocco went on to claim the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, though the victory wasn’t without controversy. Mazraoui was part of that squad too, cementing his status as one of the most decorated players in the current generation of Moroccan internationals.

The quarter-final loss at the 2026 World Cup led to soul-searching within the federation, and Ouahbi’s appointment was meant to signal a fresh start. Players who had been automatic selections under the previous setup suddenly found themselves needing to prove their worth all over again.

Club-country tensions resolved

There had been tensions around his club commitments at Manchester United, the kind of friction that often emerges when European clubs and national federations disagree on player availability during international windows. Those issues appear to have been resolved without drama. No injuries have been reported, and no release disputes are clouding the call-up.

The broader squad of 29 or 30 players reflects Ouahbi’s desire to blend experience with emerging talent. Gabon, while not among the continent’s traditional heavyweights, are capable of causing problems at home or away. Lesotho presents a different kind of challenge: a match where Morocco will be expected to dominate.

What the AFCON qualifiers mean for Morocco

Ouahbi’s merit-based approach is designed to keep the squad competitive across cycles. By refusing to hand out guaranteed spots, he creates pressure on every player, including established names like Mazraoui, to maintain peak performance levels.

Few right-backs in African football can match Mazraoui’s combination of experience and technical ability, with his skillset combining defensive solidity with the attacking instincts that made him a target for both Bayern Munich and Manchester United.