Walid Regragui praises Morocco’s tactical display after securing World Cup qualification

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui hailed his side’s tactical discipline and determination after the Atlas Lions sealed qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 5-0 win over Niger in Rabat.

Speaking after the victory at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Regragui emphasised that the primary objective had been achieved. “Our tactical plan worked very well,” he said. “The most important thing is that we have booked our place at the World Cup.

I want to thank the players for living up to expectations. We tried to increase the tempo early to force the opponent into mistakes, and we managed to score quickly. That set the tone.”

The result not only secured Morocco’s ticket to the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico but also extended their remarkable winning streak to 13 consecutive matches. Regragui expressed satisfaction that the qualification was sealed in Rabat.

“It was fate that we earned qualification at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, a jewel of Moroccan architecture and a source of national pride,” he said.

Strength in Depth

Regragui highlighted the competition within the squad as a positive challenge. “There is a lot of competition in midfield and in attack. It is never easy to choose a starting eleven, but it is a good problem to have,” he explained.

He also underlined the importance of maintaining team unity, even if not every player is guaranteed playing time. “Some will not play on Monday against Zambia, but they will still support their teammates. Staying together as a group is essential.”

Looking ahead, the coach hinted that he may experiment in the next match, with qualification already secured. “We can try different things against Zambia,” he said. “Winning at home is never easy, but we have managed it consistently, and now we must build on this momentum.”

Eyes on AFCON

With Morocco also set to host the next Africa Cup of Nations, Regragui acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge ahead. “The AFCON will not be an easy tournament,” he warned. “We need the support of our fans until the very end. Hosting comes with great responsibility, but we are confident we can rise to the challenge.”

The coach added that the final squad list for the tournament would only be announced close to the start of the competition. “The core of the team is already in place, but there are still places up for grabs,” he said.

Hakimi Backed for Awards

Regragui reserved special praise for team captain Achraf Hakimi, describing him as an “exemplary player” and suggesting he deserves recognition at the highest level. “Hakimi deserves the African Ballon d’Or, and even the global one,” the coach said. “He always gives his maximum. He has played through injury and fatigue, which shows his commitment.”

Another Historic Milestone

Morocco now lead their qualifying group with 18 points, having won all six matches. Tanzania are second with 10, followed by Zambia and Niger on six apiece, while Congo sit bottom with a single point.

For the Atlas Lions, the 2026 edition will mark their seventh appearance at a World Cup finals and their third in succession, following previous participations in 1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018 and 2022.

Regragui’s men have therefore confirmed their status as one of Africa’s most consistent and ambitious footballing nations, with their attention now shifting towards making history both at AFCON on home soil and on the global stage in 2026.