World Cup (Q): Morocco “will rest players” against Zambia – Regragui

Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui has maintained that they will be aiming to win all their remaining World Cup qualifying matches, including against Zambia, to wind the group with maximum points.

The Atlas Lions have enjoyed a good run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, winning all their six Group E matches so far and have already qualified for the World Cup.

Their 5-0 hammering of Niger, helped seal their place in the World Cup that will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries; with the main host country of matches being the United States, while Canada and Mexico will be the auxiliary hosts.

Speaking during a pre-match press briefing at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola ahead of the fixture against the Chipolopolo on Monday, Regragui said although he will rest 80% of the players that participated in the demolition of Niger, the players called upon will deliver.

“We have come here already qualified, we know what we have to do, we are Morocco, and we have come here to win because we are Morocco,” he said. “I know Zambia wants to win to confirm their stature in Africa. I know that it will be a good game tomorrow (Monday).”

Regragui concluded: “We have had a difficult time; we played a game on Friday and had a long flight. I will rest 80% of the players; others like Hakimi have games in Europe and need to recover. However, the players who will come will be competitive.”

Already qualified Morocco have amassed 18 points, Tanzania lies in second with 10 points, Zambia are third on six points, while Congo lie at the bottom with one point.

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