Bilal El Khannouss: Morocco's Young Playmaker
Who Is Bilal El Khannouss?
Bilal El Khannouss was born on 10 May 2004, making him 22 years old at the 2026 World Cup. Born in Belgium to Moroccan parents, he chose Morocco internationally and has been earmarked as a generational talent since his teenage years.
He first emerged at Genk before moving to the Premier League, and as of June 2026 he plays for Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart, where his loan was made permanent in May 2026. An attacking midfielder, he is known for close ball control, vision and the ability to thread passes in tight spaces.
A Standout Season at Stuttgart
El Khannouss developed into one of Stuttgart's key players during the 2025-26 season, contributing goals and assists in the Bundesliga and producing commanding displays in the club's European campaign. That form earned him the permanent move and built momentum heading into the World Cup.
His club performances reassured coach Mohamed Ouahbi that the young playmaker was ready to shoulder creative responsibility on the biggest stage, and he was duly included in Morocco's 26-man squad as one of seven midfielders.
His Role in the 2026 Squad
El Khannouss gives Morocco a genuine number-ten profile, a player who can operate between the lines and create chances against deep defences. Alongside the steel of Sofyan Amrabat and the running of Azzedine Ounahi, he adds the final creative piece.
Ouahbi's Morocco can be pragmatic, but they need moments of invention to break down organised opponents, and El Khannouss is the player most likely to provide them. As of 25 June 2026, with Morocco in the Round of 32, his creativity could be decisive.
The Future of the Atlas Lions
Having made history as the youngest Moroccan to appear at a World Cup when he debuted at the 2022 tournament aged 18, El Khannouss arrives in 2026 as an established member of the squad rather than a prospect. His trajectory points firmly upward.
For Morocco, he represents the bridge between the 2022 semi-finalists and the next generation. If he delivers in the 2026 knockouts, El Khannouss could announce himself as one of the tournament's breakout creative talents.
Frequently asked
What club does Bilal El Khannouss play for in 2026?
As of June 2026, El Khannouss plays for VfB Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga, after his loan became permanent in May 2026.
How old is Bilal El Khannouss at the 2026 World Cup?
He was born on 10 May 2004, making him 22 years old during the tournament.
What position does El Khannouss play?
He is an attacking midfielder or number ten, known for his creativity, ball control and vision.