The Moroccan World Cup selection includes three Dutch-born players. Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV), Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United) and Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis) made it to 26 from national coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

FC Utrecht back Souffian El Karouani and the Belgian Moroccan Rayane Bounida of Ajax were in the pre-selection and reported for a training camp last week, but did not make it. Feyenoord player Oussama Targhalline and SC Cambuur defender Ismaël Baouf can also go on holiday.

Hakim Ziyech’s last hope has also disappeared. The 33-year-old ball magician from Dronten has recently shown good form at the Moroccan top club Wydad Casablanca, even scoring a hat trick last weekend, but it was not enough.

Ziyech was one of the standouts at the World Cup four years ago, when the Atlas Lions reached the semi-finals, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and captain Achraf Hakimi, among others, who are now back.

Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid) and PSV star Ismael Saibari are also present. Morocco will play in group C against Brazil, Scotland and Haiti at the World Cup.