Morocco captain Romain Saiss has made a comeback from injury to be included in Walid Regragui’s 27-man squad for this month’s critical World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Tanzania and Niger.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers defender missed the Atlas Lions’ March friendlies due to a knee issue but has regained full fitness to resume his leadership role for these pivotal matches.
Saiss, 33, is among several high-profile players in Regragui’s selection, which also features Hakim Ziyech, Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, and Brahim Diaz.
Notably absent, however, are Amine Harit and Selim Amallah. Marseille midfielder Harit has been omitted once again following a season of inconsistent form at club level.
Morocco currently leads Group E in African qualifying, having secured a 2-1 victory over Tanzania in their opening match last November.
Despite their strong start, Regragui is cautious, knowing that securing the six points from these two fixtures is essential to maintaining their grip on one of the group’s coveted spots for the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Atlas Lions will host Tanzania in Rabat on June 16 before traveling to face Niger four days later. With only the group winners guaranteed automatic qualification, every match is crucial.
Matchday three will be held on 16 June, followed by matchday four on 20 June, as teams continue their journey towards the expanded 48-team World Cup.
Regragui is determined to maintain Morocco’s strong momentum, aiming to secure their third World Cup appearance and their first since 2018, at the earliest opportunity.
Morocco Squad for World Cup 2026 Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, El Mehdi Benabid
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Chibi, Abdel Abqar, Achraf Dari, Nayef Aguerd, Romain Saïss, Yahya Attiat-Allah, Noussair Mazraoui
Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Oussama El Azzouzi, Bilal El Khanouss, Brahim Diaz, Ismaël Saibari, Oussama Targhalline, Amir Richardson, Azzedine Ounahi
Attackers: Hakim Ziyech, Ilias Akhomach, Ayoub El Kaabi, Youssef En-Nesyri, Soufiane Rahimi, Amine Adli, Eliesse Ben Seghir
