Morocco coach Walid Regragui vows ruthless approach in Zambia World Cup Qualifier

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has insisted that his side will approach their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Zambia with the same determination and focus that has carried them to early qualification for the 2026 tournament.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday ahead of the fixture, part of the eighth round of Group E in the African qualifying campaign, Regragui underlined that while Morocco has already secured its place at the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Atlas Lions remain committed to extending their unbeaten run.

“We respect every opponent, but our objective is always to win,” Regragui told reporters. “This match gives us a chance to show the strength of our squad while also offering opportunities to other players who deserve to prove themselves.”

Opportunities for rotation

The Moroccan coach confirmed that the line-up against Zambia would differ significantly from the team that cruised to a 5-0 victory over Niger on Friday, the result that sealed Morocco’s qualification with two games to spare. Despite those changes, he insisted the level of performance must remain high.

“We will not play with the same eleven as we did against Niger,” he explained. “But the ambition is still the same—to compete hard, to win, and to keep this positive momentum going. Fatigue is a factor, so we must manage every detail intelligently.”

Regragui also suggested that rotation is part of a broader strategy, particularly with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the horizon. “It is not wise to reveal all our cards now, especially with Zambia also competing in the upcoming AFCON. Allowing different players to step in is positive—it helps us, and it keeps our opponents guessing.”

Eye on the bigger picture

While Morocco’s qualification is secure, Regragui emphasised that performances in the remaining qualifiers matter for shaping the final squad that will contest the AFCON on home soil next year.

“The responsibility of choosing the final list is immense,” he said. “Every player knows that places are limited, and everyone is fighting for a role in the team. I cannot afford to make mistakes in my selection, so these matches are important tests.”

Regragui acknowledged Zambia’s determination, describing them as a team eager to prove their credentials in African football. “We know the Zambian side well,” he commented. “They are motivated and want to strengthen their position. The changes we make will influence the game, but in a good way—it allows us to maintain unpredictability.”

Morocco’s dominance in qualifiers

The Atlas Lions have been in imperious form throughout the qualifying campaign, sitting top of Group E with 18 points after six wins from six matches. Tanzania trail in second with 10 points, while Zambia and Niger are tied on six points each, and Congo remain bottom with just a single point.

Friday’s emphatic victory over Niger highlighted Morocco’s attacking power, extending their unbeaten record and confirming a third successive World Cup appearance. The team has now qualified for the finals on seven occasions: 1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022, and now 2026.

Building momentum

For Regragui, the challenge lies not only in sustaining this winning streak but also in ensuring Morocco heads into AFCON 2025 fully prepared. “The World Cup qualification is secured, but our journey does not stop here,” he said. “The objective now is to keep building, to maintain our momentum, and to make sure the team is ready for the challenges ahead.”

As the Atlas Lions prepare to take on Zambia, their coach’s message was clear: qualification may already be in the bag, but the hunger to win remains undiminished.