HIBAPRESS – Sports
The national coach, Mohamed Wahbi, confirmed during the press conference held today, Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, which was dedicated to announcing the national team's list for the friendly matches against Ecuador and Paraguay, that the call-up of Issa Diop was made in light of his readiness and the value he will add to the national team.
Wahbi explained that the talk that circulated in previous periods regarding Diop's position and his refusal to play for Morocco does not necessarily reflect reality, stressing that the player remains within the technical staff's circle of interest in light of his qualifications and experience in European stadiums, which makes him an important option to strengthen the back line. The national team coach added that the door of the national team is open to every player who is able to add value and has the desire to represent Morocco, highlighting that the current stage requires gathering the best possible elements to build a strong and harmonious group. This comes in the context of the national team's preparations to play two friendly matches, where it will face the Ecuador national team on March 27 in Madrid, before facing the Paraguay national team on March 31 in the French city of Lens, as part of a preparatory program aimed at raising the readiness of the "Atlas Lions" and testing a number of human options.
