Morocco coach details World Cup squad selection, emphasizing cohesion and mental readiness

Morocco's head coach, Walid Regragui, has detailed the rigorous process behind selecting the final squad for the 2026 World Cup. He acknowledged that the selection was far from easy, given the limited timeframe and the large pool of players evaluated over recent months. Regragui highlighted that the training camp held in March served as a crucial foundation for player assessment, while maintaining that the door remained open for all potential candidates.

"I couldn't call up 40 players at once," Regragui stated, explaining the technical staff's efforts to monitor as many players as possible through travel, direct communication, and match observation. He assured that "no player was left to chance," and the final list was compiled after a meticulous review of all cases. The objective, he clarified, was not merely to pick the best individual players but to select those capable of integrating into the team's playing philosophy.

The recent preparatory camp had two primary objectives: keeping players sharp who had finished their seasons early and gaining a deeper understanding of players on the preliminary list, assessing their adaptability to the team's style of play. Regragui observed that evaluating players in matches differs significantly from assessing them within the national team's tactical framework. He reported positive impressions from the camp regarding player discipline, seriousness, and intensity during training sessions.

Regragui expressed satisfaction with the preparation atmosphere, thanking the players for their commitment and professionalism. He noted that while some players would make the final cut, others would continue to await future opportunities. Team cohesion with the project's playing style was a key selection criterion, alongside players' ability to adapt to the national team's desired approach for the World Cup.

Addressing physical readiness, Regragui acknowledged that player fatigue is a universal challenge for all participating teams. He confirmed that the medical and technical staff are implementing individualized programs based on each player's condition and game time. However, he stressed that the greater challenge might be mental rather than physical, especially after a long season that included the Africa Cup of Nations. "Mental refreshment is very important," he added, with the staff focused on achieving the necessary balance before the competition begins. Regarding Nayef Aguerd, Regragui confirmed the player is on the right recovery path, recalling his fighting spirit during the Africa Cup of Nations despite injury, stating, "Nayef put Morocco above all else." The staff trusts his professionalism and commitment to regain fitness quickly. Marouane Saadane was also called up to the reserve list as a precaution, with Regragui noting, "If Nayef is not ready, Saadane will be on the list." He also mentioned Ayoub Mimouni's strong recent performances.