Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz will be unavailable for Morocco’s upcoming international friendly against Tunisia in June, with both players expected to participate in the Club World Cup in the United States.
As part of the national team’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Atlas Lions will take on Tunisia and Benin during the June international window. However, head coach Walid Regragui is likely to be without some of his most influential figures due to overlapping club obligations.
According to reports from winwin, both Hakimi and Diaz will not feature in the national squad for the double-header, as their clubs have requested their presence for the Club World Cup.
The tournament, which will bring together top teams from around the globe, is a major commitment for participating clubs and requires full availability from their key players.
The absence of Hakimi, one of Morocco’s most reliable performers, and Diaz, who has recently become a central figure in the team’s creative midfield, comes as a blow to the technical staff. Nonetheless, with the fixtures being friendlies, the federation is unlikely to challenge the decision.
Several other Moroccan players expected to take part in the Club World Cup may still link up with the national team, but are only anticipated to play a limited role.
The coaching team is reportedly considering restricting their minutes to avoid overexertion, following discussions with the players’ respective clubs.
This approach underscores the growing tension between club and international calendars, particularly during off-season windows or non-competitive international breaks.
With the Africa Cup of Nations drawing closer, Regragui would ideally want to field his strongest side and fine-tune tactical options.
However, the reality of modern football, where player workloads and injury prevention are increasingly prioritized, means compromises must be made.
The Moroccan Football Federation appears to be aligning with club interests for this window, choosing caution over confrontation.
The decision is also rooted in the fact that the two June matches are purely preparatory, with no qualification stakes involved. It is a chance for Regragui to test emerging talents and explore new tactical setups without risking his key players.
Hakimi’s absence, while notable, opens the door for other defenders to stake their claim, and Diaz’s unavailability will allow other midfielders to take on greater creative responsibilities.
The coaching staff will use the opportunity to evaluate depth across the squad and monitor how younger or less experienced players respond to international duties.
Morocco’s friendlies against Tunisia and Benin come at a time when team cohesion and preparation are vital ahead of AFCON 2025.
While missing some star names, the matches still serve as an important phase in building towards the continental competition.
With a strong pool of talent to choose from, Regragui will look to ensure the team continues to progress, even without some of its marquee players.
The absence of Hakimi and Diaz, while significant, is unlikely to disrupt the long-term planning for a squad aiming to challenge for the African title next year.
