Morocco is looking to prove that their fourth-place finish in 2022 was no one-hit wonder. The current African champions are going through a golden generation of talent, and at the 2026 World Cup, AS Roma’s Neil El Aynaoui could be the country’s next unsung hero.
Is there a national team on the planet that has grown as much as Morocco during the 2026 cycle? It’s hard to argue otherwise. Moroccan football is going through its own golden generation, and unlike the United States men’s national team, the Moroccans are backing it up.
Since their semifinal run at the 2022 World Cup, Morocco has won multiple major regional titles, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2024 African Nations Championship. Prior to that, they had already won two of the last three editions of the competition. They are also the 2025 Arab Cup holders.
It would seem that whatever Morocco has touched in football has turned to gold, with a near perfect 2025 and an undefeated run so far in 2026. Drawn into one of the toughest groups of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, the Atlas Lions’ opening match against Brazil will be one of the most anticipated group stage showdowns.
Morocco will like their chances against a shaky Brazil side. With players at clubs like Real Madrid, Roma, Ajax, PSG, and Manchester United, Morocco has top-level talent spread across Europe and could make yet another deep World Cup run.
One player to watch is 24-year-old Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, who has broken into the national team and is already making an impact under Mohamed Ouahbi.
The Lowdown on Neil El Aynaoui
El Aynaoui is a midfielder known for his calm and intelligent style of play. He is comfortable on the ball and prefers to keep things simple, using short, accurate passes to help his team control possession.
Rather than rushing, El Aynaoui reads the game well and makes smart decisions about when to pass, carry the ball forward, or slow things down. His positioning is one of his key strengths, as he often finds space to receive the ball and link defense with attack.
Defensively, El Aynaoui is hardworking and disciplined. He tracks back to support his teammates, presses opponents when needed, and helps break up play in midfield.
While he may not be the flashiest player, his consistency and awareness make him highly reliable. Overall, his style is balanced, and he’s able to combine technical ability with tactical intelligence which makes him an important presence in the center of the pitch.
Building a Strong CV
El Aynaoui began his career at Nancy in France, where he played 62 games before moving to Lens. After two seasons there, and three overall in France, he caught the attention of Italian side AS Roma.
Now in his first season with the Serie A side, El Aynaoui has been used as a squad player but has shown his quality in the central midfield. So far, he has made 28 appearances, scoring once in a Europa League match against Midtjylland on November 27, 2025, along with one assist.
Still finding his footing in Italian football, El Aynaoui has had a steady rise and should be a player to watch as he continues to develop.
A Flying Start to a National Team Career
At the international level, El Aynaoui has made a strong impression, starting all 15 of his caps since making his debut in 2024. He made a major impact in Morocco’s March fixtures, scoring twice against Ecuador and Paraguay.
He has found a new rhythm since moving into a deeper pivot role for the national team and could be a surprise performer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup if Morocco makes a deep run.
While Morocco has more established names in the squad, El Aynaoui could be a valuable wild card in key matches. His confidence has grown, and he looks increasingly composed in his role.
