The national coach, Walid Regragui, has decided to call up Youssef Belammari, defender of Raja Club Athletic, to join the Moroccan national team gathering ahead of the match against Tanzania. This match, part of the 6th day of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers (Africa zone, Group E), will take place without captain Achraf Hakimi, who is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.
Raja Casablanca quickly reacted to this call-up by congratulating the selection of their player.
“We are proud of our player Youssef Belammari’s call-up to the national team for the upcoming match against Tanzania, as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Good luck, Youssef!” the club wrote on their social media.
This is not Belammari’s first experience with the national team. The 24-year-old defender had already participated in the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, playing in both matches against the Central African Republic. In those matches, Morocco achieved significant victories (5-0 and 4-0).
His call-up for this crucial match against Tanzania highlights the importance of depth in the Moroccan squad. In Hakimi’s absence, Regragui is looking to maintain defensive balance and test different options on the right wing. Belammari will have a great opportunity to prove that he can be a credible alternative for the national team.
With four victories in as many matches in these qualifiers, the Atlas Lions will aim for another success to continue their flawless run towards the 2026 World Cup.