El-Faouzi's Morocco switch ends Germany hopes after Klopp shortlist

Twenty-four-year-old Schalke midfielder Soufiane El-Faouzi missed out on Jürgen Klopp’s inaugural Germany squad for the Nations League, despite being part of a short-list that also featured Loris Karius and Robin Gosens. He has now accepted a call-up from Marokko (Morocco) and will be locked in once he features in the upcoming Africa Cup qualifiers.

Klopp’s shortlist leaves Schalke trio out

Jürgen Klopp’s first Germany squad for the Nations League comprised 44 players, but none of the Schalke trio made the final list. The 33-year-old goalkeeper Loris Karius and the 32-year-old winger Robin Gosens were deemed unsuitable for Klopp’s plans, which already look towards the European Championship two years ahead. Soufiane El-Faouzi, the 24-year-old midfielder, also failed to receive an invitation. Consequently, the blue-white trio will miss the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Marokko call-up seals El-Faouzi’s future

Although born and raised in Germany and holding Moroccan citizenship, El-Faouzi had hoped for a Germany debut. reported that he would have welcomed a call-up from the DFB, and that Klopp might not have rejected his inclusion. Instead, the Marokko federation summoned him, and he has already featured in a test match for the Atlas Lions. Faouzi’s dual nationality meant the decision rested on which senior side offered him playing time.

Tresoldi thanks Klopp but delays the choice between Germany and Italy

The Atlas Lions have two qualification matches for the Africa Cup of Nations pending, and El-Faouzi is expected to be in the squad for both. Once he takes the field in either game, his international allegiance will be locked to Morocco, removing any remaining possibility of a future Germany selection. The upcoming fixtures therefore represent the decisive moment for his senior international career.

Klopp’s final midfield roster includes Nadiem Amiri, Anton Stach, Joshua Kimmich, Mika Baur, Vitaly Janelt, Tom Bischof and Aleksandar Pavlovic, covering the roles that the Schalke players might have filled. The selection reflects a blend of experience and youth, with several players already established in the Bundesliga.

The accompanying image is credited to Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/GettyImages, showing the Schalke players in question.