Morocco head coach Walid Regragui believes his team’s match against Niger on September 5 will be the most important fixture of this international window, as a win will be enough to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Morocco leads Group E with 15 points, and a win will seal their qualification. Behind them are Tanzania with 9 points and Zambia with 6 points.

Regragui suggested that new players could get a chance in the away fixture against Zambia if Morocco secures qualification in their upcoming match against Niger. “The Niger game will be the key to qualification. If we secure the ticket, we will give new faces the chance against Zambia,” he said.

The coach, who led Morocco to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal, acknowledged that the match against Zambia may not be easy, especially since it will be played away.

“African matches are always tough, and Zambia will not be an easy opponent on their home ground. We have played several games outside Morocco and understand the challenges of these fixtures, but first we need to focus on winning against Niger in Rabat.”

Regragui explains Ziyech’s exclusion

Regragui announced his squad for the two games, with PSG wingback Acraf Hakimi and Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz among those called up. Team captain Hakim Ziyech has been left out due to a lack of match readiness.

“There are no issues with Ziyech,” Regragui said. “We are just waiting for him to find a team so he can return to competition. He is an important player, and the door is open once he is ready.”

Morocco faces Niger on September 5 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium before travelling to Ndola to take on Zambia on September 8. Three points from the two fixtures will be enough to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup.

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