In an interview given this Thursday, December 11th, to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), national team coach Walid Regragui discussed the rationale behind his 28-man squad, which includes two reserves. He emphasized the importance of continuity, squad management, lessons learned from recent competitions, and the risks taken with certain injured players. The coach also stressed the staff's commitment to preparing for the future while keeping the central objective in mind: winning the continental title.
When asked about his decision not to hold a press conference, Regragui explained:"It's a personal decision. I'm focusing quickly on this competition. What matters to me is announcing the squad and quickly concentrating on the team gathering."
We wanted to do things differently to shake things up a bit, because throughout the competition there will be press conferences two or three days before and after the matches. So talking a lot today didn't interest me, he added.
Regarding the 28 players selected, the coach was clear: The list is here. It's our choice, mine and that of the staff, and we hope we've done the best possible to try and bring home the trophy.
He then reminded everyone that any squad list is, by its very nature, subject to debate: The ideal list for one coach isn't necessarily ideal for others. It doesn't excite everyone, because everyone has their own personal preferences, their own desires. We always make our criteria objectively. A strong team spirit has developed since the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. The sporting aspect is also paramount. Furthermore, it's a competition that will last a month. We've saved time with certain players who are very familiar with our system and the stakes. We've been building this group for practically two years, and the results speak for themselves. Regarding the size of the squad and the experience gained in previous tournaments, he clarified: We have experience from the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. At the World Cup, we had 26 players. At the Africa Cup of Nations, we went with 27, including some players who were in the stands. We tried to be as logical as possible. The idea is to have a group of 26 where everyone can be present. And as you saw, there are two reserves who will be ready, we hope.
The inclusion of Hamza Igamane, who is suffering from an adductor injury, has also raised questions. The coach fully stands by his decision:"For Hamza, it's an injury whose duration could change. We took the risk of including him or not... He will join us tomorrow, Friday, for treatment. And we hope that he can help us during the competition. In any case, we are taking this risk, and it's my personal choice. Hamza is a talented player, and as with Achraf: if we can have him available, even for a match or a few minutes, we take that risk, and I accept it."
Regarding the omission of the U20 World Cup champions, Regragui clarified his position:"Some U20 players deserved to be with us, but I have choices to make. We mustn't forget that in the U20 squad, we have many players who are already in the senior team: players like Eliess Ben Seghir, Chadi Talbi, or Aït Boudlal, who could have played in the U20 World Cup."
He also points out that youth is already very well represented in the senior team: We mustn't forget players like Bilal El Khannouss or Ilias Akhomach, who are 21 years old. That makes five very young players already. In addition, we have players who have competed in the Olympics and won the U23 Africa Cup of Nations. They will be with us. We have a young but balanced squad. 50% of the squad is under 30. For the 2030 World Cup, we are preparing for the future, but we are also focused on the present.
Morocco will begin their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on December 21, 2025, against Comoros (8 p.m.) at the Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat. The Lions will then face a crucial match against Mali on December 26 (9 p.m.), before concluding the group stage against Zambia on December 29 (8 p.m.), also in the capital.
