The national coach Walid Regragui confirmed that the match between the Moroccan national team and Niger, scheduled to take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, will be crucial in the journey to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing the need to focus on this match before thinking about the away game against Zambia.

Regragui said at the press conference he held on Thursday to announce the list of the "Atlas Lions": "African matches are always difficult, and Zambia is a strong opponent, but the most important thing now is to win against Niger. If we secure qualification, we will give the opportunity to new faces in the match against Zambia."

The Moroccan coach addressed the issue of the defense line, confirming that the technical staff is working on addressing some gaps, relying on players who are active in major clubs. He also clarified that Omar El Hilali is not a central defender but plays as a right-back.

Regarding injuries, Regragui revealed that Noussair Mazraoui suffered a new setback but will return to training at the end of the week with Manchester United, while Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Sofiane Rahimi will miss out due to muscular issues, with the latter potentially sidelined for about four weeks.

As for Hakim Ziyech's absence, Regragui emphasized that it is not related to any dispute: "Ziyech was part of the expanded list, but his absence is related to his lack of readiness, as he has not signed with any club yet. Whenever he regains his competitiveness, the door is open for him."

The coach also pointed to the special situation of some of his players like Bilal El Khannous and Azzedine Ounahi, who are looking to change clubs, confirming that their stability is important before major appointments, primarily the Africa Cup in Morocco and the World Cup finals.

In another context, Regragui explained that he had previously communicated with Mohamed Ihattaren, advising him to focus on his career, and he did not hide his admiration for the talent of Ayoub Bouanani, whom he described as a promising name for the future of the national team.

The national coach concluded: "The match against Niger will be the key to qualification, and if the goal is achieved, we will give the opportunity to new faces against Zambia."