World Cup stars of the Bundesliga: VfB Stuttgart's Bilal El Khannouss
VfB Stuttgart's 21-year-old attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss will be hoping to cause a stir and help Morocco into the latter stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a strong season.
Name: Bilal El Khannouss
Club: VfB Stuttgart
Nation: Morocco
International debut: 17 Dec 2022
Caps: 35
International goals: 3
Stats correct as of 28 April 2026
How was his 2025/26 season?
El Khannouss joined Stuttgart on loan in early September 2025. He made an almost instant impact, scoring his first goal for the club in a 2-0 home win over St. Pauli later that month.
Since then, the talented playmaker has developed into one of VfB's key components, adding two more goals and registering three assists in the Bundesliga, while putting in commanding performances during the club's creditable UEFA Europa League campaign, during which he found the net five times.
Watch: The best of El Khannouss
What he brings to the national team
As an 18-year-old he was called up to the Atlas Lions' senior squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and he made his debut in the third-place play-off versus Croatia, thereby becoming the youngest-ever Moroccan to appear at the prestigious tournament, before winning a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Having previously often been used as an impact substitute, his status appeared to evolve during the memorable 2026 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, starting all of his country's knockout matches.
He will need to be at his influential best if Mohamed Ouahbi's men are to successfully negotiate matches with Brazil, Scotland and Haiti, and potentially emulate that heroic run at Qatar 2022.
What his coaches say
"Bilal is a man for special moments. He’s already scored some important goals. He always believes in himself and the team. In my view, he radiates an infectious conviction." - Stuttgart head coach Sebastian Hoeneß
