Morocco's next generation is ready for another opportunity to shine on the world stage.Ahmed Kantari has announced his 21-player squad for the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup, which will take place in Qatar from November 19 to December 13.
The announcement marks an important milestone for the Atlas Cubs, who will be looking to build on their recent progress and deliver another memorable campaign in one of international football's biggest youth competitions.
The tournament will feature 48 national teams, making this edition another major test for Morocco's emerging talents as they prepare to compete against some of the strongest youth sides in the world.
Morocco Drawn Alongside Spain, Fiji and China
The Atlas Cubs have been placed in Group H, where they will face Spain, Fiji and China during the group stage.
It promises to be an interesting challenge for Kantari's squad, particularly against Spain, a nation renowned for its technical development and youth football structure.
Morocco will aim to approach the group stage with confidence, discipline and the ambition to progress beyond the opening round.
With several promising players in the squad, the coaching staff will hope to build a competitive team capable of matching the quality of their international opponents.
Zyad Baha Returns for a Second World Cup
One of the notable names in the squad is Zyad Baha, who is set to participate in his second consecutive FIFA U17 World Cup.
Having featured in the previous edition, the young forward brings valuable tournament experience to a squad largely focused on developing its international credentials.
His return could prove important for the Atlas Cubs, particularly as they prepare for the pressure and intensity of a global competition.
Meanwhile, Brahim Rabbaj will be among the players expected to play an important role as Morocco look to make their mark in Qatar.
Building on the 2025 World Cup Experience
Morocco will enter the competition hoping to improve on their performance at the 2025 edition, when the Atlas Cubs reached the quarter-finals before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat against Brazil.
That campaign provided valuable experience for Moroccan youth football and demonstrated the country's growing ability to compete at the highest international level.
The latest qualification represents another opportunity for a new generation to continue that progress and establish itself on the global stage.
Morocco Earn Their Place After AFCON U17 Progress
The Atlas Cubs secured their place at the 2026 World Cup after reaching the quarter-finals of the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco.
Their qualification reflects the progress made by the country's youth development system and provides another opportunity for emerging talents to gain experience against elite opposition.
Now, with the squad officially announced, attention turns towards the final preparations before the team travels to Qatar.
A New Generation Ready to Represent Morocco
For Kantari and his players, the objective will be to combine ambition with consistency throughout the tournament.
The group-stage encounters against Spain, Fiji and China will provide the first test, but Morocco will undoubtedly be aiming to go further and challenge for a place among the competition's leading teams.
The presence of experienced youngsters such as Zyad Baha, alongside emerging talents eager to make their names, gives supporters reasons to follow this generation closely.
The Atlas Cubs have their squad, their opponents and their mission. Qatar now offers another stage for Morocco's young talents to make history.