Walid Regragui outlined his recruitment strategy for Morocco’s national team in the aftermath of their remarkable 2022 World Cup campaign, revealing plans to integrate dual-nationality players into the squad. The former coach discussed his vision in a detailed interview published Tuesday, August 4, by The Coaches’ Voice.
Building Depth Through Dual-Nationality Recruitment
Regragui identified a clear need to strengthen Morocco’s player pool following their semi-final exit to France at the 2022 World Cup. The coach pinpointed squad depth as the critical weakness that prevented the Atlas Lions from advancing further in the tournament.
He pursued several dual-nationality players to bolster the squad’s options across all positions. Among those targeted were:
- Eliesse Ben Seghir
- Ilias Akhomach
- Brahim Díaz
- Neil El Aynaoui
- Ayyoub Bouaddi
- Anass Salah-Eddine
- Chemsdine Talbi
- Adam Aznou
Regragui explained that while Morocco possessed elite-level talent in its starting formation, the squad lacked adequate alternatives to manage injuries, accumulated fatigue, and suspension-related absences throughout extended competitions.
The Two-or-Three-Player Standard
The coach emphasized that successful World Cup contenders require multiple world-class options at each position. Regragui stressed that elite teams maintain two or even three players capable of performing at the required standard in every role.
He also recognized that Morocco needed to establish sustained involvement in knockout stages of major tournaments. Consistent progression to quarter-finals and semi-finals would provide players with tournament experience and the psychological resilience characteristic of football’s dominant nations.
Youth Development Alongside Senior Responsibilities
Regragui simultaneously managed Morocco’s under-23 side while overseeing the senior programme, enabling him to monitor emerging talent earmarked for future national team selection. This dual role provided valuable oversight of the development pipeline.
The youth programme delivered significant honours during this period. Morocco’s under-23 team captured the African Under-23 Championship in 2023, then secured the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
What This Means for Morocco’s Ambitions
Regragui’s recruitment approach directly addressed the identified gaps from the 2022 semi-final defeat. By securing multiple high-level options for each position, Morocco aimed to compete more effectively across an entire tournament without compromising quality during absences or rest periods.
The 2022 World Cup run fundamentally reshaped Moroccan football’s outlook. Previously, World Cup victory appeared improbable; Regragui noted that the campaign transformed this perception entirely. Players and supporters now view winning the tournament as an achievable objective rather than a distant aspiration.
The integration of dual-nationality players, combined with youth programme success, positioned Morocco to sustain deep runs in major competitions beyond 2022. This strategy reflected ambitions to establish the country as a consistent heavyweight in international football rather than occasional contender.
