Experience to share

The AS FAR right-back played in the 2025 edition, when Morocco reached the last 16 before losing 6-1 to eventual champions DPR Korea. She particularly remembers the 3-1 victory over Costa Rica that secured progress from the group. Eight of the current 21 players were involved last year, and Youssoufi says they are sharing that experience to help newcomers manage their nerves. The camp began on 1 October, with later arrivals joining on the fifth and Nessma Mouradi completing the group on the 12th. Training and activities together have shaped preparations.

Ambitions on home soil

Morocco enter after taking Mediterranean Games bronze in late August. Youssoufi hopes for strong support from the stands and values the chance to play in front of relatives and friends. She recognises the strength of all three group opponents but believes Morocco can target a top-two finish by concentrating on their own performance. That remains a pre-tournament objective, not qualification already achieved. Personally, she hopes to reach a senior Women's World Cup and eventually play for a major European club. The accompanying photograph comes from the Costa Rica match in 2025 and should be read as archive material, not a scene from this year's event.