CAN 2025: The U20 World Champions Excluded, Regragui Locks in His List for the Title

The historic triumph in Chile was not enough. Despite their global title, the leaders of the U20 selection will watch the Africa Cup of Nations on television. Walid Regragui has chosen to do without the ardor of this golden generation: neither the top scorer of the tournament, Yassir Zabiri, nor the best player, Othmane Maamma, are in the group. Goalkeeper Benchaouch suffers the same fate, the technician favoring experience for this deadline scheduled from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

This locking of the squad claims other victims in Europe. Omar El Hilali, defender of Espanyol Barcelona, remains on the sidelines despite three previous call-ups without playing time. The PSV Eindhoven striker, Couhaib Driouech, brilliant in the Champions League, also misses the call, as does the historic captain Hakim Ziyech, whose non-selection marks the end of an era.

The coach is betting everything on continuity and current form. The list of 28 names revolves around Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi for offensive animation, supported by the usual defensive leaders such as Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saïss. It is this commando, completed by two reserves, who will have the heavy task of getting out of group A against the Comoros, Mali and Zambia.