Morocco’s National Team Coach Reveals Strategy for Recruiting Dual-Nationality Players

"We engage in dialogue with the players, we present our project to them and convey the love for the homeland, while fully respecting their final choice," Walid Regragui confided in an interview with the Spanish sports daily AS. According to his explanations, Morocco offers dual-national players the opportunity to join a national project driven by passion and conviction. According to the Atlas Lions’ coach, it has not always been easy for dual-national footballers born abroad to choose between Morocco, their country of origin, and their adopted country.

He also praised the decisions of players such as Brahim Diaz, Bilal El Khannous, and Achraf Hakimi, who have chosen to defend the colors of the Moroccan flag and actively contribute to the influence of the national team and the development of the national sports project. Regragui also mentioned Morocco’s proactive strategy to identify young talents playing in Europe. "What matters is not their origin, but rather their real commitment to our project," he specified.

The Moroccan national team coach is also pleased with the development of Moroccan football, including international-level infrastructure, the organization of the 2030 World Cup, and Morocco’s positioning among the best national teams in the world. His wish is for Morocco to win the next Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), scheduled for the end of the year, on its own soil. "Winning the continental title is now a priority. Morocco is a great football nation, united behind its team. It’s time to add a new trophy to our record," he continued.