Morocco coach Walid Regragui to announce World Cup qualifying squad on August 28

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui will reveal his squad for the September international window on Thursday, 28 August at 11:00, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has confirmed.

The Atlas Lions will face Niger in Rabat on 5 September before travelling to Ndola to play Zambia three days later in two crucial fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Morocco currently holds a strong position in their qualification group, sitting nine points clear of their nearest rivals, and could secure early progress with positive results.

Attention will be firmly fixed on potential new additions to Regragui’s squad, with AS Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui tipped for a first official call-up.

The 22-year-old has long been considered a future star for Morocco, but injuries and scheduling controversies have delayed his debut. His omission from the June squad, followed by his appearance in a charity match in Nancy, drew criticism and frustration among supporters.

This latest camp could mark a turning point, as Regragui looks to refresh his options ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host.

Another focal point of discussion is the fitness of Noussair Mazraoui. The Manchester United full-back, who often operates on the left side for the national team, has yet to feature in competitive action this season after sustaining an injury late in the last campaign.

United manager Ruben Amorim confirmed his absence in their weekend fixture against Fulham, further fuelling speculation over whether Regragui will have to plan without one of his most versatile defenders.

Regragui’s selections will once again highlight his balancing act between loyalty to the core group of players who guided Morocco to a historic 2022 World Cup semi-final and his ambition to integrate new talent.

This squad announcement is widely regarded as a strategic step in building momentum not only for the World Cup qualifiers but also for the 2025 AFCON, which carries added significance as it will be played on home soil.

With Morocco’s position at the top of their group giving them a cushion, Regragui has some room for experimentation. However, every decision will be scrutinised closely as expectations rise ahead of two high-stakes competitions.

Thursday’s announcement is expected to provide insight into his long-term vision for the Atlas Lions as they aim to remain a dominant force in African football while strengthening their credentials on the world stage.