Morocco: Yanis Begraoui left out despite an outstanding season in Portugal

Africa 26 May 2026 at 19:21

Nouya M'toama

News Editor

It’s a major shock. When Morocco’s head coach Mohamed Ouahbi unveiled his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, he made the surprising decision to leave out Yanis Begraoui. The striker’s omission comes as a real surprise, given how his spectacular season in Liga Portugal with Estoril seemed to have earned him a ticket to the World Cup dream.

Yanis Begraoui will not be at the World Cup. Yet he is coming off a phenomenal campaign, smashing several records with Estoril. The 24-year-old forward racked up goals in Liga Portugal—netting 20 in all competitions over 33 matches—establishing himself as his club’s attacking leader and one of the most clinical strikers in the Portuguese league. His achievement is all the more impressive considering Estoril are not among the country’s footballing giants.

A baffling absence

Begraoui even made club history by becoming Estoril’s top scorer in Liga Portugal, bagging 28 goals over two seasons. Long the league’s second-leading scorer, the Moroccan seemed to have earned the right to finally break into the senior national team for a major competition.

What’s more, Morocco’s squad for this World Cup doesn’t feature a true out-and-out number 9. Begraoui’s profile as a finisher and his consistency could have given Mohamed Ouahbi another attacking weapon.

Recently called up for a preliminary training camp, Begraoui appeared to be closing in on a place in the final squad. After reigniting his career in Portugal, Yanis Begraoui seemed on the verge of realizing his dream. In the end, though, the 2026 World Cup will go on without him—despite a season that made a compelling case for his inclusion.