Regragui’s Atlas Lions Watch: Saiss, Ziyech, Boufal and Cheibi Under the Microscope Ahead of AFCON 2025-26

AFCON 2025-26: A Glimpse of the Morocco Squad

Walid Regragui, the head coach of the Morocco national team, signaled clear intentions about the Atlas Lions’ roster for Africa’s premier tournament. He named the trio of players who gained prominence at the Qatar World Cup—captain Romain Saiss, the goal-scoring star Hakim Ziyech, and winger Sofiane Boufal—while underscoring that selection remains a work in progress as injuries and club commitments loom large.

The host nation will stage AFCON 2025-26 in Morocco, running from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, turning national pride into a footballing showcase. The timing adds extra pressure to assemble a cohesive group that can perform on home soil, with expectations running high across the country.

Saiss: Absent for the CAN

Kooora pressed Regragui on Romain Saiss’s status with his club Al-Sadd and his prospects for the tournament. The coach replied with a quiet honesty, noting that Saiss has been out for a while due to injury, yet recognizing the central leadership he provides when fit and available for selection.

Regragui made it clear that Saiss remains a key reference for the squad. He explained that, although the captain is currently sidelined, the staff will monitor his recovery closely and welcome him back into the fold as soon as his fitness allows. Saiss’s experience and calm presence are viewed as assets both on and off the pitch, and his absence is felt beyond the minutes he would play.

“Saiss is a captain who influences the group not only with his on-field performance but with his leadership off it,” the coach said. “We want a player with that profile in our squad, and we hope he overcomes his injuries to bolster our defense and moral support ahead of the games.”

Ziyech’s situation: A mix of frustration and faith

The conversation then turned to Hakim Ziyech, the long-time talisman whose club situation has not produced a definitive move. Regragui acknowledged the frustration around Ziyech’s lack of a new club, describing him as a leader whose quality remains undeniable. Yet he stressed pragmatism: the extended squad will include him in its calculations, but timing and club activity matter for the tournament’s demands.

“Ziyech is a veteran with influence and goals in him, and he has given a lot to the national team,” Regragui noted. “We hoped he would secure a club in the window, but now we must adapt to the reality and plan with or without him until he’s fully integrated again.”

Boufal’s absence: A tough call

The coach did not sugarcoat Boufal’s situation. He explained that Boufal is not part of the current plan because his club commitments keep him out of contention, despite Boufal’s past impact and talent. The door, however, remains open should circumstances change and Boufal prove his readiness in the near term.

Regragui emphasized that the selection framework centers on availability and readiness, not past reputations. The aim is to balance experienced leaders with fresh contributors who can rise to the AFCON challenge on home soil.

Cheibi: merit and potential deserve a closer look

In addressing Mohammed Cheibi’s status with Pyramids in Egypt, Regragui defended the midfielder’s inclusion in broader discussions. He highlighted Cheibi’s notable performances in the CAF Champions League and a standout showing against Al-Ahli Saudi Arabia as evidence of his quality and potential. While not guaranteed a spot immediately, Cheibi remains in contention as part of a wider evaluative process that prioritizes form, fitness, and fit within the national setup.

“Cheibi is a player with real talent and consistent numbers,” the coach said. “He deserves recognition and a fair opportunity to show what he can contribute to this group—not through comparisons, but by proving himself in our system.”

In wrapping up, Regragui reiterated that the final AFCON squad will be a careful blend of readiness, talent, and the right mix of veterans and newcomers. He reminded the public that the road to a successful home-hosted tournament is long and nuanced, requiring both patience and belief in the team’s collective spirit.

Humor follows the serious business: if the players are a puzzle, the fans will enjoy watching it come together piece by piece—just don’t ask the coach for the instruction manual on match day. And if all else fails, at least Morocco will have popcorn ready for the dramatic finish. Two punchlines to end on a light note: 1) If planning were a sport, Regragui would be the coach building the lineup with a calendar and a smile. 2) In football, as in life, sometimes the best move is simply to pass the ball and pretend you meant to do it gracefully.