Morocco achieved its fifth consecutive victory by defeating Tanzania 2-0 during the 6th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. With 15 points from five matches, the Lions of the Atlas confirm their dominance in their group. Following the match, Walid Regragui praised the discipline and solidity of his team while discussing squad management and public expectations.
Facing a defensive-minded Tanzanian team, the Moroccans had to wait until the second half to make the difference. Regragui acknowledged that his players struggled at the start of the match but adjusted their gameplay:
“Another victory, the fifth in five matches. It wasn’t easy during this month of Ramadan. We faced a team that played with a low block. In the first half, we didn’t have many chances. But in the second half, we corrected our mistakes and managed to score the first and then the second goal, which allowed us to control the match and secure this fifth victory.”
Beyond the result, the national coach emphasized the rigour of his team, pleased that they managed this match without any setbacks:
“I think we have grown. We won this match thanks to our discipline and pace. Congratulations to the players who finished this break without injuries.”
While some observers pointed out a lack of offensive realism, Regragui wanted to reassure:
“We have no issues in attack. Our strength lies in the ability of all players to score. That’s our system of play. Everyone scores, and that’s what has allowed us to achieve five consecutive victories.”
The coach highlighted a collective approach where no single player bears the burden of scoring, a strategy that has proven effective so far.
As in previous matches, the crowd chanted the names of Hakim Ziyech and Sofiane Boufal. Regragui welcomed this support while reaffirming his position:
“As for Ziyech and Boufal, as I always say, the door is open to all competitive players who can help us. I heard the supporters chanting their names, and I think that’s a wonderful thing.”
This clear message keeps the door open for a return of these two key players, provided they regain competitive form.
After the goals were scored, Regragui turned to the stands, a way to engage with the supporters. In the press conference, he explained his gesture and stressed the evolving expectations surrounding the national team:
“After the goals, it’s true, I turned to the public. I would like the supporters to be positive. Today, we are a great team. We qualified for the AFCON with six victories, and we have won five matches in the World Cup qualifiers. We are consistent and we are doing our job.”
For him, this growing demand from the public reflects Morocco’s rising power on the international stage:
“It’s good to see the supporters upset, as it shows we have grown and that their expectations go beyond just qualifying for the World Cup. In the past, when we qualified for the AFCON, everyone would take to the streets to celebrate. Today, qualifying has become normal, and that proves how much we’ve evolved.”
Finally, Regragui addressed the management of young players like Omar El Hilali and Bilal Nadir, who were called up but did not play:
“Omar El Hilali and Bilal Nadir are young players who have discovered the group. I could have fielded El Hilali, but when I have the option to use a left-footed player, I don’t hesitate. Today, Belammari had a great match. But when I have Hakimi and Mazraoui available, I can’t afford to do without the latter.”
