Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has confirmed that Hakim Ziyech is missing from the squad due to lack of match readiness, rather than any disagreement, as the Atlas Lions prepare for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Zambia.
Speaking at a press conference to announce the squad list, Regragui said: “There are no issues with Ziyech. 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.”
He also suggested new players could get a chance in the away fixture against Zambia if Morocco secure 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.
Regragui acknowledged the challenges of the fixtures ahead: “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.”
On defensive matters, he added: “It’s true we have faced problems in defence, but we are working on them. We have players in top clubs, and we trust their ability to develop.” He clarified Omar El Hilali’s position, saying: “He’s not a centre-back but a right-back, which makes deploying him in central defence difficult at the moment.”
List of Injuries includes Noussair Mazraoui and Sofiane Rahimi. “Mazraoui was injured again during preparations — the same issue from June. We have been in contact with Manchester United, and he will begin training at the weekend. We hope he returns strongly,” said Regragui. “Rahimi will be out for about four weeks.”
He also touched on players seeking transfers, including Bilal Khennous and Azzedine Ounahi, adding: “I hope they settle their futures before the end of the transfer window, as stability is crucial at this stage.”
On promising Moroccan talents, Regragui said: “I spoke to Mohamed Ihattaren a year ago when he was without a club and told him to work on himself. If he returns to form, the door is always open. We are also watching Ayyoub Bouaddi closely — he is talented and young, and we hope he joins the national team at the right time.”
Morocco face Niger on September 5 at a full-packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium before travelling to Lusaka to take on Zambia on September 8. A single point from the two fixtures will be enough to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup.
