Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has explained why Neil Al Aynaoui and Issa Diop were left out of his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Atlas Lions will take on Niger and Tanzania in the Matchday five and six games of the qualifiers next week.
Addressing the press on Friday after announcing his squad for the games, Regragui revealed that he had contacted Al Aynaoui, who plays for Lens, back in March.
However, Al Aynaoui expressed a desire to stay at his club and work his way up the pecking order.
“I always tell Al Aynaoui and others that the door is open, but the initiative must come from the player, not the team.”
Regragui emphasised that players must demonstrate their commitment to the national team.
“Morocco is a big team. If a player wants to join, they need to show their desire,” he added.
Regragui, however, stated there had been no communication with Fulham defender, Diop.
“I’ve never heard Diop express his desire to play for Morocco,” he said.
“There are 40 million Moroccans who dream of wearing the national jersey, so anyone who wants to join is welcome. But with Diop, I don’t think it will happen.”
Regragui concluded by making it clear that players must be fully committed ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“We need players who want to give their all for Morocco,” he said.
