Walid Regragui defends tactical role for Brahim Diaz ahead of Morocco fixtures

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has clarified his tactical decisions regarding Brahim Diaz, insisting the Real Madrid forward remains most effective on the wing despite recent discussions about a central role.

Speaking to the press in Rabat ahead of Morocco’s friendly against Bahrain on 9 October and their final 2026 World Cup qualifier against Congo on 14 October at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Regragui fielded several questions on Diaz’s form and positioning.

The 26-year-old attacker has endured a dip in performance in recent weeks, prompting speculation that a shift to the No.10 position might help restore his confidence.

Diaz has not featured there since 7 June 2024, when Morocco beat Zambia 2-1 and he registered an assist.

While many believe the Malaga-born player thrives in a central role, Regragui stressed that Morocco’s data and his own observations point elsewhere.

Regarding Brahim, I always expect more from him. (…) We already did the tests a year ago on his number 10 position (…) behind the striker. Even if many people think that’s his ideal position – even at Real Madrid, he doesn’t play as a 10 – I think his best position is on the wing, with a system closer to the box. (…) He’s going through a bit of a difficult period because of the competition at Real. (…) I’m convinced he’ll respond on the pitch.

Diaz has consistently delivered from the flanks for Morocco, finishing as top scorer during the qualifiers for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will host from 21 December to 18 January, scoring seven goals.

Regragui underlined that the current downturn in form reflects the fierce competition at club level rather than any flaws in his tactical deployment.

It’s not so much about the repositioning itself as about his recent run, the coach explained. This doesn’t worry me too much.

Morocco, the first African nation to book their place at the 2026 World Cup, are using this international window to fine-tune their approach and test combinations ahead of their home-soil AFCON next year.

Regragui’s confidence in Diaz suggests the forward remains central to those plans, albeit from a wide position rather than through the middle.

With two matches in quick succession, the Atlas Lions’ coaching staff are expected to monitor Diaz closely as he seeks to rediscover the form that made him one of Morocco’s most potent attacking weapons during qualification.

#Maroc : un absent surprise et 3 retours dans la liste pour Bahreïn et le Congo #football https://t.co/JUQ7ThzWlB pic.twitter.com/xi7BHSQBGa

— Afrik-Foot (@afrikfoot) October 2, 2025