Disappointed after missing 2026, Morocco's Baouf sets sights on 2030 World Cup

SC Cambuur defender Ismaël Baouf said he remains determined to earn a place in Morocco's squad for the 2030 FIFA World Cup after narrowly missing out on the 2026 tournament, Dutch outlet Voetbal International reported on Monday.

The 19-year-old defender, who made his senior Morocco debut in a friendly against Burundi at the end of May after helping the Atlas Cubs win the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, was included in Morocco's preliminary World Cup squad but did not make the final cut.

«Of course, it was disappointing not to be there», Baouf told Voetbal International. «When you're included in the preliminary squad, you know you're close and you start hoping. It would have been a dream, but it just wasn't my moment. I'll need a little more patience and I'll keep working hard every day to become a better player so that next time I'll make it».

Looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal, Baouf said: «I want to be there, but I want to play in every tournament before that as well. I want to be in the very next squad. It's a huge honor to represent Morocco, and I'll do everything I can to convince the coach of my qualities».

Baouf, born in Belgium to Moroccan parents, joined Dutch side SC Cambuur in 2025 after coming through Anderlecht's academy. He switched his international allegiance from Belgium to Morocco in 2025, won the U-20 World Cup with the Atlas Cubs.