AFCON 2025: Walid Regragui outlines criteria behind Morocco’s final squad decisions

Walid Regragui explains the reasoning behind Morocco’s squad list for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, stressing that he relies only on clear and objective criteria when selecting players.

The national coach says he builds his choices around group cohesion, tactical understanding, dressing-room balance, high-level requirements and current form.

Regragui shares these details in a statement released on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s social media platforms on Thursday evening.

He says he and his staff shaped the final list through a long process that started more than eighteen months ago.

He believes that no “ideal list” exists, but he insists the group reflects the needs of the team as it heads into a home tournament with major expectations.

He also addresses the situation of Hamza Igamane, who appears among the reserves.

Regragui says he takes a “calculated risk” with the young forward because doctors believe his recovery timeline may improve.

He adds that Youssef Belammari also features on the reserve list but will remain with his club until the staff requires reinforcement.

The coach then clarifies why he did not hold a press conference to announce the squad.

He says he chose not to speak to the media on this occasion because he wants full focus on the upcoming training camp.

He prefers to direct all attention toward preparation and believes the squad announcement alone meets the needs of the moment.

Regragui concludes by expressing confidence in the group he selected.

He believes the team can deliver a strong tournament and challenge for the continental title on home soil. He says the staff and players will enter camp with determination, unity and the ambition to achieve a successful run at AFCON 2025.