World Cup semifinalist Morocco recruit France U21 player Diop to start qualifying for 2026 edition
SALE, Morocco: World Cup semifinalist Morocco will start their qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament with a newly-recruited France Under-21 player named in the squad for the first time Thursday. Sofiane Diop, a midfielder with French league leader Nice, was picked by coach Walid Regragui for the scheduled games at home to Eritrea next Thursday and in Tanzania on Nov. 21. The 23-year-old Diop was born in France and has family ties to Morocco and Senegal.


