Morocco’s Football Coach Targets World Cup Success Amidst High Hopes

In a spirited pre-match press conference in Agadir, Morocco's national football coach, Walid Regragui, articulated his ambitious vision for the team as they edge closer to securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With an unwavering focus on maintaining their lead in Group E, Regragui laid out his tactical roadmap ahead of the crucial qualifier against Congo Brazzaville.

Held on Monday before a packed room of eager journalists, Regragui's briefing set the stage for Tuesday's showdown at the Agadir Grand Stadium, marking the fourth round of the African qualifiers. The match is pivotal, with Morocco keen to consolidate their top position in the group and fortify their journey to the World Cup.

“We must win the match against Congo Brazzaville and finish first in our group because the main objective is to qualify for the next World Cup,” Regragui asserted, his determination palpable.

Regragui underscored the necessity of an aggressive offensive strategy to secure the much-needed victory. He emphasized a compelling blend of quality play and results, especially given the advantage of playing on home turf under favorable conditions.

“Our objective remains the three points from a victory, and we will try to combine quality of play with the result, especially since we are playing in front of our home crowd and under ideal conditions,” he elaborated.

The coach also delved into the intricacies of player selection, highlighting the importance of striking a balance to field the best possible lineup while refining offensive strategies. He praised the depth of talent on the bench and expressed his readiness to integrate players who exhibit technical excellence.

Regragui pinpointed AS Monaco’s Eliesse Ben Seghir as a key figure in bolstering the team's attacking balance and expanding their offensive repertoire. In midfield, he spotlighted Oussama El Azzouzi as a promising future asset and emphasized the athletic intensity that Sofiane Amrabet brings to the pitch.

Acknowledging the tactical hurdles posed by Congo Brazzaville's defensive approach, Regragui stressed the necessity for his players to forge effective offensive combinations and create scoring opportunities. Concentration, he noted, would be critical to clinching the three points.

Reflecting on recent performances, Regragui recalled the team's hard-fought 2-1 victory over Zambia in their last outing in Agadir, which solidified Morocco's position at the top of Group E with six points. This places them ahead of rivals Zambia, Niger, and Tanzania, who are tied with three points each.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming clash, Morocco's national team remains resolute in their quest to secure a berth in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, driven by Regragui’s strategic acumen and the collective determination of the Atlas Lions.