Bilal El Khannouss
StuttgartLW (CF)
Half-Space Orchestrator
May 10, 2004 (22)
Right
5'11"
154 lb
Starts at forward during exit
El Khannouss registered three tackles (one won) in Thursday's 2-0 loss to France.
Analysis: El Khannouss was handed the start at forward due to the absence of Ismael Saibari (hamstring), although he struggled to do much. He would go without a shot in his 62 minutes of play, with his only contribution being three tackles (one won). Despite the lackluster performance in their exit, the midfielder was a decent influence in the team for most of the World Cup, completing 182 passes while recording six shots, seven chances created and 10 crosses. However, he did not earn a goal contribution.
Limited impact in Round of 16
El Khannouss recorded two tackles (one won) and one interception in Saturday's 3-0 win against Canada. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 51st minute.
Analysis: El Khannouss was busy throughout the game, but he didn't have much to show for it, as he didn't play a big role in the final third as he has in past matches. Still, the Stuttgart winger isn't expected to leave the starting XI in the upcoming matches.
Joins Stuttgart permanently
El Khannouss has completed a permanent transfer from Leicester City to Stuttgart for an undisclosed fee, his old club announced.
Analysis: El Khannouss made an immediate impact during his loan spell at Stuttgart from Leicester City, establishing himself as a regular starter and finishing the season with nine goals and seven assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. His performances were convincing enough for Stuttgart to turn the temporary deal into a permanent one, securing the 22-year-old Moroccan international on a long-term basis.
Four crosses in round of 32
El Khannouss had one shot (one on goal) and four crosses (zero accurate) in Monday's 1-1 (4-3) penalty shootout win versus Netherlands.
Analysis: El Khannouss started his fourth game from four in the World Cup so far, and his number of crosses has increased by one in each game, starting at one in the first and four in the fourth. He has also taken at least one shot in each of the games, with four shots on target coming in the last three games. He was subbed off in this game just a few minutes before the end of the game, 1-0 down, and his team managed to score a late equaliser and win on penalties to book a place in the last 16 against Canada.
Two shots during win
El Khannouss recorded two shots (two on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Wednesday's 4-2 win against Haiti.
Analysis: El Khannouss is still getting his time to shine on the world stage after a third straight start in group stage play for Morocco. He now ends the group stage with 254 minutes played in regulation of the 270 available. However, he is yet to record a goal contribution, with his five shots and six chances created not enough. He will be looking for one in the knockouts, although the competition is about to step up another level.
Another productive World Cup outing
El Khannouss recorded one chance created, two crosses and two shots in Friday's 1-0 win over Scotland.
Analysis: El Khannous was once again a starter for Morocco as he continues to shine on the world stage in his World Cup debut, recording a decent match in the attack against Scotland. However, he has yet to earn a goal contribution in those two starts, appearing to be around the box a lot but unable to earn his moment yet. He has also taken three corners as he gets involved all around, likely to keep his spot moving into the final group stage match.
Creates two chances in draw
El Khannouss registered one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brazil.
Analysis: El Khannouss didn't do much in the final meters, aside from creating two chances. Morocco have plenty of options in the final third, so it wouldn't be surprising if the Stuttgart winger isn't in the XI when the Atlas Lions take on Scotland on June 19.
Locked-in starter for Morocco?
El Khannouss figures to hold a starting role with Morocco in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an impressive 2025/26 season with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.
Analysis: El Khannouss spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Stuttgart from Leicester City, but the 22-year-old impressed with nine goals and seven assists across 41 appearances for the German club across all competitions. That led Stuttgart to sign him on a permanent basis, and it should also translate into a prominent role in Morocco's midfield at the World Cup. Even though the African giants have lots of creative options, led by Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari, El Khannouss' ability to fill several roles in midfield should grant him regular minutes for one of the potential darkhorses in the tournament.
Permanently joins Stuttgart
El Khannouss has completed a transfer to Stuttgart from Leicester City, according to his new club.
Analysis: El Khannouss was on loan the past season but is now set to join Stuttgart permanently, inking a deal with Stuttgart through 2028. This comes after a decent season in a regular role for the team, notching 19 starts in 25 appearances, a solid debut in Germany at only age 22. He would fall just one goal contribution short of double-digit as he looks to build a name in the Bundesliga, likely to be a starter for the club for the next few years to come.
Assists in two straight
El Khannouss had an assist while taking four shots (one on goal), crossing six times (two accurate) and creating three chances during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Werder Bremen.
Analysis: El Khannouss set up Ermedin Demirovic in the 61st minute while leading Stuttgart in shots and chances created in the draw. El Khannouss is in excellent form at the moment with a goal involvement in three straight matches to go along with nine shots, five chances created and eight crosses.
Assists vs Bayern Munich
El Khannouss assisted once to go with three shots (three on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 4-2 defeat versus Bayern Munich.
Analysis: El Khannouss earned his first start since Mar 15, recording an assist Sunday against Bayern Munich. Since his return from injury, the midfielder had started five times in 10 league appearances scoring and assisting once while totaling 13 shots, 12 chances created and 23 crosses (eight accurate) in that span.
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