Morocco, currently leading Group E in the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is set to face Niger on March 21 and Tanzania on March 25 in two crucial matches that could strengthen their path to qualification.
As anticipation builds, all eyes are on head coach Walid Regragui and the squad he will assemble for these key encounters.
Stability expected in squad selection
Regragui is likely to maintain a squad similar to the one that competed in November’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho.
The goalkeeping department is expected to remain unchanged, with Yassine Bounou continuing as Morocco’s first-choice keeper.
He will likely be supported by Munir Mohamedi, Salaheddine Chihab, and Ayoub El Khayati.
Defensive concerns over key players
While Morocco boasts defensive depth, there are lingering injury concerns.
Nayef Aguerd remains a doubt due to a quadriceps issue, while Romain Saïss faces an uphill battle to regain fitness following an ankle injury.
However, the Atlas Lions will take comfort in the availability of Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, both of whom are enjoying excellent form this season.
Midfield selections and Ziyech’s uncertain status
One of the biggest question marks remains the inclusion of Hakim Ziyech.
Although actively playing for Al Duhail SC in Qatar, his call-up is not guaranteed.
Meanwhile, Amine Harit, struggling for form at Olympique de Marseille, is unlikely to feature.
In contrast, Sofyan Amrabat, currently on loan at Manchester United, is expected to be a key figure in midfield.
He could be joined by Oussama Targhalline, Eliesse Ben Seghir, and Azzedine Ounahi, who have all impressed in recent months.
Attacking options take shape
Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri, currently on loan at Fenerbahçe, remains an automatic choice to lead the attack.
He will likely be supported by Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, Olympiacos’ Ayoub El Kaabi, and Abde Ezzalzouli, who is set to return to the squad.
Regragui may also introduce fresh attacking options, with Glasgow Rangers forward Hamza Igamane emerging as a potential surprise inclusion.
The young talent has enjoyed an impressive season, scoring nine goals so far.
Morocco aiming to strengthen grip on Group E
With four points from their opening two qualifiers, Morocco sits in a strong position in Group E.
Securing maximum points against Niger and Tanzania would further solidify their standing and bring them closer to their World Cup ambitions.
As the squad announcement nears, the focus will be on how Regragui balances experience with fresh talent to maintain the team’s dominance.
