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Brazil's rivals boost squads with naturalized players
Morocco and Haiti add European-born players to their World Cup rosters
Mar. 21, 2026 at 11:49am
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In the final window of friendlies before the 2026 World Cup, Brazil's Group A opponents Morocco and Haiti have bolstered their squads by adding players born in Europe who have dual citizenship. Morocco has brought in French-born defender Issa Diop and several other young French and Belgian players, while Haiti has recruited French-born striker Wilson Isidor from Sunderland.
Why it matters
The additions of naturalized players from Europe could provide a boost to Morocco and Haiti as they prepare to face powerhouse Brazil in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. This highlights the growing trend of national teams seeking out dual-national players to strengthen their rosters.
The details
Morocco has added 29-year-old Fulham defender Issa Diop, who previously played for France's youth teams but is now switching to the Moroccan national team due to his ancestry. The Moroccans have also brought in other young players born in Belgium and France, including Ismaël Baouf, Redouane Halhal, Samir El Mourabet, and Gessime Yassine. Haiti, meanwhile, has recruited French-born striker Wilson Isidor, a standout player for Sunderland in England.
- The final window of friendlies before the 2026 World Cup took place recently.
The players
Issa Diop
A 29-year-old French-born defender who previously played for France's youth teams but is now switching to the Moroccan national team due to his ancestry.
Ismaël Baouf
A young player born in Belgium who has been added to the Moroccan national team.
Redouane Halhal
A young player born in France who has been added to the Moroccan national team.
Samir El Mourabet
A young player born in France who has been added to the Moroccan national team.
Gessime Yassine
A young player born in France who has been added to the Moroccan national team.
Wilson Isidor
A French-born striker who plays for Sunderland in England and has accepted an invitation to play for the Haitian national team.
What they’re saying
“I am proud to be able to honor our people. Together, we have the opportunity to make history.”
— Wilson Isidor
The takeaway
The additions of naturalized players from Europe could provide a significant boost to Morocco and Haiti as they prepare to face Brazil in the 2026 World Cup group stage. This highlights the growing trend of national teams seeking out dual-national players to strengthen their rosters, which could lead to more competitive and unpredictable matches in the tournament.
