Baouf hopes to break into Morocco’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. Dutch club SC Cambuur center-back Ismaël Baouf is aiming to earn a spot in Morocco’s Atlas Lions squad for the 2026 World Cup, Dutch daily AD reported on Monday.
Called up to the senior national team for the first time last March, the U20 world champion has yet to play a single minute for the Atlas Lions, the paper noted, adding that his rapid progress at club level keeps alive the possibility of a call-up for the North American World Cup.
“If it were up to me, I’d go without hesitation. Playing in a World Cup is a childhood dream”, said the 20-year-old, as quoted by AD.
It is not impossible that national team coach Mohamed Ouhabi, under whom Baouf won the U20 World Cup, could include him in the squad, the publication added. However, the player, who was instrumental in Cambuur’s promotion to the Eredivisie, the top tier of Dutch football, remained cautious. “It can help, but in the end, it’s what you show on the pitch that matters. I hope to get my chance,” Baouf said.
AD also noted that Baouf has been linked in recent months with clubs such as Ajax and PSV. Still under contract with Cambuur, he has not ruled out staying an additional season to support the club in the Eredivisie, while remaining open to a move should a concrete offer come from Ajax or PSV.
“I’d love to help Cambuur for another year. But if Ajax or PSV come for me and the negotiations go well, why not?” he added.
Cambuur secured promotion back to the Eredivisie at the end of March, with six matches remaining in the season. Among the key contributors to that achievement was Moroccan international Ismaël Baouf, who enjoyed an outstanding campaign. Since joining the club last August, the defender has impressed with his defensive solidity while also making a notable attacking contribution, scoring six goals and providing one assist.
Baouf was notably named best player of the third period of the season, confirming his key role in Cambuur’s success. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is estimated at €2.5 million.
Trained at Anderlecht, where he made 49 appearances in the Challenger Pro League, Baouf had established himself as a natural leader of the RSCA Futures before the Brussels club decided not to extend his contract last summer.
- Source: MAP