2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Walid Regragui draws up contingency plan as injuries hit Morocco ahead of Niger, Zambia games

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui and his backroom staff have mapped out an emergency plan as injury concerns threaten to derail preparations for next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Zambia.

The Atlas Lions will be without key figures, including defender Chadi Riad, who has failed to recover in time at Crystal Palace, captain Romain Saïss of Al-Sadd, and RS Berkane midfielder Abdelhak El Assal.

Further doubts hang over the attacking line. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli has yet to make an appearance for Real Betis since their Europa League final loss to Chelsea, while Lille winger Oussama Sahraoui sat out his club’s Ligue 1 opener.

With options running thin, Regragui is reportedly weighing up fresh call-ups. Among the names under consideration is Utrecht full-back Sofiane El Karouani, who could be handed his first senior international cap.

Morocco open their campaign at home to Niger at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on September 5 before heading to Ndola to face Zambia at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium three days later, all in the Matchday 7 and 8 games.