The 24-year-old Schalke midfielder has been included in Mohamed Ouahbi’s latest squad for Morocco’s upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho, marking another opportunity to establish himself within the national team setup.
After experiencing the atmosphere of the Morocco camp earlier this year, the midfielder has returned with even greater motivation, proud to represent his country and eager to contribute to its continued rise.
A Proud Return to the Atlas Lions
El-Faouzi was previously involved with Morocco during the May training camp, an experience that left a strong impression on him.
He spoke positively about the environment around the national team, highlighting the quality within the squad and the atmosphere created by the players and staff.
Returning to the group has therefore brought a mixture of pride and determination.
For the Schalke player, wearing the Morocco shirt represents more than another international opportunity. It is a chance to compete alongside a generation that has helped push Moroccan football onto a bigger stage.
Ready to Make His Mark
The midfielder arrives at camp with a clear objective: to give his best whenever he is called upon.
Morocco’s squad contains considerable competition across every position, but El-Faouzi has shown that he is ready to embrace that challenge rather than simply enjoy being part of the group.
His focus is on contributing on the pitch, working with his teammates and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes his way.
That mentality could be important as Ouahbi continues to assess his options and build the squad for the next stage of Morocco’s international journey.
Inspired by Morocco’s Rise
The recent progress of the national team has also strengthened the sense of belief surrounding the squad.
Morocco’s run to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals has added another important chapter to the country’s football story, while the continued support from Moroccan fans has created an atmosphere that players increasingly speak about with pride.
El-Faouzi is no different, he emphasized how important the supporters are to the players and how their passion creates an additional responsibility for those wearing the national shirt.
For him, that support is a reminder that every international appearance carries significance beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch.
A New Opportunity Under Ouahbi
With Mohamed Ouahbi now leading the national team, El-Faouzi has another opportunity to establish himself in the coach’s plans.
The midfielder’s return comes at an important moment, with Morocco beginning its preparations for AFCON 2027 while also continuing to develop a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
The competition for places will be intense, but that is precisely the environment El-Faouzi wants to be part of.
His objective is straightforward: work hard, remain ready and contribute whenever the team needs him.
The Road to AFCON 2027
Morocco’s next two competitive fixtures will provide the first major test of this new stage.
The Atlas Lions will face Gabon on September 25 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, before travelling to Bloemfontein to meet Lesotho on September 29.
El-Faouzi is part of a 29-player squad selected by Ouahbi for those matches, giving him another opportunity to demonstrate what he can bring to the national team.
He will also have the chance to experience once again the unique connection between the Atlas Lions and their supporters.
Fighting for the Atlas Lions
Speaking in Moroccan Darija, El-Faouzi made his ambitions clear. He wants to represent his country with commitment and determination.
- “I want to fight for my country. I am ready. We are the Lions, the Atlas Lions.”
It is a simple message, but it reflects the attitude he wants to bring into the squad.
At 24, the Schalke midfielder still has plenty of room to grow internationally, and this return gives him another platform to show what he can offer.
For now, the message from El-Faouzi is simple: he is back, he is ready, and he wants to contribute to Morocco’s next chapter.