Morocco’s national football team has been training intensively at the Mohammed VI Football Sports Complex in Maâmora. However, the notable absences of key players Noussair Mazraoui and Amir Richardson have sparked considerable public discussion.
Both Mazraoui and Richardson were included in the squad list announced by coach Walid Regragui on May 28. Since then, the Atlas Lions have been conducting a rigorous training camp, with most players already in attendance.
Recent arrivals include Brahim Diaz and Yassine Bounou, who joined the camp just a day apart. Despite this, there has been no sign of Mazraoui and Richardson, prompting concerns and speculation among fans and analysts alike.
Addressing these concerns, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) issued a statement clarifying the reasons behind the absences. According to the FRMF, both players are dealing with family-related issues.
The federation did not specify the nature of these issues, nor did they confirm whether the players would join the squad in time for the upcoming matches.
This ambiguity leaves open the possibility of replacements if Mazraoui and Richardson are unable to participate.
The Atlas Lions are gearing up for crucial encounters against Zambia and Congo, scheduled as part of the 3rd and 4th matchdays of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
These matches are critical for Morocco’s campaign, and the absence of Mazraoui, who plays for Bayern Munich, and Richardson, a rising talent, could pose a significant challenge for Regragui’s team.
Despite the uncertainty, the team continues its preparations with determination. The Mohammed VI Football Sports Complex in Maâmora serves as the training ground, providing the squad with top-notch facilities to hone their skills and strategies.
The focus remains on ensuring that the team is in peak condition to face their opponents and secure vital points in the qualifiers.
As the situation evolves, fans and stakeholders will be eagerly watching for updates regarding Mazraoui and Richardson’s availability.
Their participation could be pivotal for Morocco’s success in the qualifiers, making this a developing story to follow closely.
The FRMF’s communication has temporarily quelled some of the speculation, but the ultimate resolution will depend on the players’ ability to rejoin their teammates in time for the decisive fixtures.
