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Moroccan international Chemsdine Talbi reflected on his decision to represent the Atlas Lions in an interview with The National published just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup.
The 21-year-old Sunderland winger, who previously represented Belgium at youth level, said choosing between the two countries was not easy. «At one moment I had to choose between Belgium or Morocco for the first team. Both were asking me which one I would choose. I had to reflect a long time to think about it,» he said.
Born in Belgium to a Belgian mother and a Moroccan father, Talbi said he has always maintained strong ties with Morocco, regularly visiting Agadir to stay connected with his family.
The former Club Brugge player also spoke of his excitement at being selected for the World Cup. «It's a dream to play the World Cup, to be part of this team. It should be an honour to be capable of playing in the World Cup at my young age for my team, for my country,» he said.
Talbi praised the atmosphere within the Moroccan squad, describing it as something special. «Morocco is like a family. They have built something different over the years,» he said.
Reflecting on his first major tournament with the Atlas Lions at the Africa Cup of Nations, he said the experience had been valuable despite his limited playing time. «It was a great experience to play this Afcon, even if I didn't play a lot. Just to be there with the team, to live this moment, this experience, to play Afcon in our home, Morocco.»
Looking ahead to the tournament, the winger said he feels privileged to be sharing the dressing room with some of Morocco's biggest stars as the Atlas Lions prepare for their World Cup campaign.
