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Morocco again opts for Saibari as a false striker against the Dutch team, Bouaddi starts in midfield
Teams 1 July 2026

Morocco again opts for Saibari as a false striker against the Dutch team, Bouaddi starts in midfield

Morocco has announced the starting eleven for the sixteenth final at the 2026 World Cup against the Dutch national team. National coach Ouahbi once again opts for Saibari in the role of false striker, while the midfield is strengthened with the young talent Bouaddi.

The national team of Morocco has revealed its line-up for the sixteenth final at the 2026 World Cup against the Dutch team. National coach Mohamed Ouahbi sticks to his previously chosen formation, with Ismael Saibari again being preferred as a false striker. With this, Ouahbi continues the line he set earlier in this tournament: creativity and flexibility in attack, with which the Moroccan team regularly managed to surprise.

The choice at the forefront was anything but obvious. During this tournament, Saibari and Ayoub El Kaabi played alternately in the point, with El Kaabi being seen as a more classic striker. Against the Netherlands, however, it is once again PSV striker Saibari who gains confidence in the role of false striker. This ensures that Azzedine Ounahi is positioned as an attacking midfielder.

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In the controlling midfield, Ouahbi sets up Ayyoub Bouaddi, a great talent who gained a lot of respect for his play. This choice means that Sofyan Amrabat, renowned for his defensive stability, starts on the bench and remains as trump card. According to the trainer, Bouaddi offers a fresh impulse to the Moroccan game and, together with El Aynaoui, should give the midfield dynamism.

With names like Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz and Bilal El Khannous, Morocco has considerable technical expertise. These players in particular - together with the creative Saibari - pose a serious threat to the Dutch defense. The Moroccan starting eleven for this sixteenth final is as follows: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Bouaddi, El Aynaoui; Diaz, Ounahi, El Khannous; Saibari.

It is expected that Morocco will kick off with a lot of attacking intent. The Dutch will have to be wary of the technical qualities and attacking impetus of the Atlas Lions.


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