Morocco head coach Walid Regragui, accompanied by his assistant Rachid Benmahmoud, recently traveled to Doha, where they attended Al-Duhail’s match against Al-Sadd.
During this visit, Regragui met with Hakim Ziyech to address the reasons behind the midfielder’s absence from the national team in recent months.
Ziyech has not been included in the Morocco squad since last September, when he featured in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier against Lesotho.
Speculation has since swirled regarding his exclusion, leading to suggestions that non-sporting factors may have played a role in the decision.
According to reports from Assabah, Regragui assured Ziyech that his omission was purely based on his fitness levels rather than any off-field issues.
“The coach assured him that he wanted to give him time to gain playing time with Al-Duhail and regain his confidence after his time at Galatasaray,” the publication stated.
“He also informed him that he would not be included in the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania and Niger.”
Despite missing the upcoming international fixtures, Regragui reportedly guaranteed Ziyech a return to the squad for Morocco’s training camp in June.
This camp will feature friendly matches against Benin and Tunisia as part of the team’s preparations for the AFCON 2025, set to take place in Morocco between December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026.
Rumors have circulated in recent weeks suggesting that Ziyech, 30, had decided to retire from international football.
However, a senior official within the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) dismissed these claims when contacted by Le Site Info.
“Hakim Ziyech has not informed the Federation or the national coach of any decision to retire from international football,” the official confirmed.
“He has not even addressed the matter on his social media platforms. These rumors are completely unfounded.”
Ziyech, who played a key role in Morocco’s historic 2022 World Cup campaign, where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals, has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form in recent months.
His move to Al-Duhail in the Qatari league was intended to help him rediscover his best level after a difficult spell in Turkey.
With Regragui’s assurance of a return to the squad in June, Ziyech will have the opportunity to reestablish himself as a key figure for the Atlas Lions ahead of AFCON 2025.
His performances in Qatar over the coming months will likely determine his role within the squad as Morocco aims for continental success on home soil.
