Wahbi: 'Performance is My Sole Criterion; Age Irrelevant for National Team Selection'
T.E (Elbotola)
06 March 2026at00:06
New Moroccan national team coach, Mohamed Wahbi, has affirmed that the doors of the senior national team will be open to all players, emphasizing that age will not be a decisive factor in his selection process.
Addressing the possibility of relying heavily on players from the team that won the 2025 Youth World Cup, Wahbi stated: "My only criterion for selecting players will be performance."
He further elaborated: "I will not differentiate between a 19-year-old player and a 34-year-old. The players' output is what will determine their place."
Wahbi is set to begin his tenure with the Moroccan senior national team with friendly matches against Ecuador and Paraguay on March 27 and 31, respectively.
Q&A
What is Mohamed Wahbi's selection philosophy for the Moroccan national team?
Mohamed Wahbi's selection philosophy for the Moroccan national team prioritizes performance above all else. He emphasized that age will not be a decisive factor, treating a 19-year-old and a 34-year-old equally based on their on-field output.
How will Mohamed Wahbi's approach affect player selection for Morocco?
Mohamed Wahbi's approach will open the senior national team doors to all players, regardless of their age. This means both experienced veterans and promising young talents from the recent Youth World Cup-winning squad could be considered if their performance merits selection.
When will Mohamed Wahbi begin his tenure as Moroccan national team coach?
Mohamed Wahbi will begin his tenure as Moroccan national team coach with upcoming friendly matches. These initial games will provide the first opportunity to see his selection criteria in action and how his philosophy translates onto the pitch.
