Issa Diop: Fulham defender reacts to bonding with teammates

Morocco defender Issa Diop has hailed the Atlas Lions international friendlies during the March FIFA window break.

The Fulham guardsman, born in France to a Moroccan mother and a Senegalese father switched to play for Morocco after several overtures from both countries.

🎙️Issa Diop 🇲🇦 :

« C’est une trêve positive. On a appris à se connaître avec les joueurs, le nouveau coach.

Et puis le public marocain… Incroyable ! Vous étiez au match donc vous l’avez vu et vous l’avez senti. Ils nous poussent. On sera prêt pour le Mondial incha’Allah ! » pic.twitter.com/7TjoGy7q1y

— Hanif Ben Berkane (@HanifBerkane) March 31, 2026

The 29-year-old made his senior debut for Morocco in a 1-1 friendly draw against Ecuador in Madrid on March 27, following FIFA’s approval to switch allegiance from France.

He also played full time in Morocco’s 2-1 win over Paraguay at the Stade Marrakech in Morocco on Tuesday.

The former France U-21 defender spoke to the media after their win over Paraguay.

Issa Diop represented France at youth level

“It’s a positive break. We’ve gotten to know each other with the players, the new coach,” he told the media at the mixed zone.

“And then the Moroccan public… Incredible! You were at the match so you saw it and felt it. They push us. We’ll be ready for the World Cup insha’Allah!.”

Issa Diop who has been linked with AS Monaco, Beşiktaş and Paris FC, has made 10 appearances for Fulham in the English Premier League this season.

Morocco who are in a tango with Senegal over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy at the Court of Arbitration for Sports [CAS], finished fourth at the last FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

They are paired in Group C against Brazil, Haiti and Scotland for the tournament in Canada, USA and Mexico.