EDITOR NOTE: This article is translated from the original written in French by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football.
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has made his decision. To face Niger and Tanzania on March 17 and 24 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Moroccan coach has opted for a roster that combines continuity and renewal. While the key players are still there, several new faces have emerged signaling a desire to broaden the selection base and prepare for the future.
The absence of Ayoub El Kaabi due to injury has forced Regragui to rethink his offensive plans, but it's the arrival of young talent that is particularly noteworthy. Omar Hilali (Espanyol, Spain), Bilel Nadir (Olympique de Marseille), Chamseddine Talbi (Club Brugge) and Hamza Igamane (Glasgow Rangers) are all discovering the Atlas Lions' lair for the first time. This bet on youth illustrates a clear strategy: don't wait for an emergency to inject new blood.
Ambitious youth to shake up the hierarchy
At 20, Omar Hilali is a pure product of Spanish football. Born in Barcelona, he rose through the ranks at Espanyol where he gradually established himself as a promising right-back. While Achraf Hakimi's presence blocks any hope of an immediate starting role, his call-up suggests Regragui's desire to have a reliable alternative in this position, a luxury that Morocco has not always had in recent years.
Morocco in pole position for the 2026 World Cup
Group E table
Points | |
Morocco | 9 |
Niger | 6 |
Tanzania | 6 |
Zambia | 3 |
Congo* | 0 |
Eritrea** | 0 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
*- Congo were suspended by FIFA on February 6 "until further notice"
**- Eritrea withdrew before qualifying began, reportedly due to fears of players seeking political asylum upon traveling outside the country.
With nine points from three matches, the Atlas Lions lead their qualifying group ahead of Niger and Tanzania (both six points). A well-played double header this month would give Morocco a serious chance of qualifying before tackling the tougher fixtures ahead. Regragui, for his part, has his own roadmap: winning while gradually integrating a new wave of talent.
This gathering will be an opportunity to observe these new faces in action. Not all of them will get playing time, but their presence in the squad is a strong signal from Regragui: the next generation is on the way ahead of the 2025 AFCON.
The full list of 26 players called up:
Goalkeepers
Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Munir El Kajoui (RS Berkane), Mehdi Benabid (Wydad Casablanca).
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi (PSG, France), Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United, England), Nayef Aguerd (Real Sociedad, Spain), Jawad El Yamiq (Al-Wehda, Saudi Arabia), Abdelkabir Abqar (Alavés, Spain), Jamal Harkass (Wydad AC), Adam Aznou (Real Valladolid, Spain), Omar Hilali (Espanyol, Spain).
Midfielders
Sofyan Amrabat (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Azzedine Ounahi (Panathinaikos, Greece), Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Bilel El Khannouss (Leicester City, England), Oussama Targhalline (Feyenoord, Netherlands), Bilel Nadir (OM, France).
Forwards
Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid, Spain), Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis, Spain), Soufiane Rahimi (Al-Ain, UAE), Amine Adli (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Osame Sahraoui (Lille, France), Chemsdine Talbi (Club Brugge, Belgium), Hamza Igamane (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Eliesse Ben Seghir (AS Monaco, France).
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