Regragui’s October List: What to Expect and What It Tells Us

Photo Credit: FRMF.ma

The name of Walid Regragui is once again on the lips of every Moroccan football fan. With international matches scheduled in October, including a friendly against Bahrain and a crucial World Cup qualifier versus Congo, Regragui is preparing to unveil a new squad list. Reports say he will reveal it on Thursday, 2 October at 11:00 a.m. at the Complexe Mohammed VI in Salé.

This list is significant not just for the matches ahead, but as an early indicator of Regragui’s longer-term vision for the Lions de l’Atlas, especially heading into AFCON 2025 at home. Let’s dive into what we can expect, and what this announcement might reveal.

What the October Matches Demand

The friendly versus Bahrain will take place on 9 October at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Then, the team travels to face Congo in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match. These fixtures give Regragui space to test combinations, assess form, and build cohesion ahead of continental competition.

Because the October list occurs before AFCON 2025, it carries added weight. Players who shine here improve their chances of earning a place in the squad that will contest Africa’s premier tournament on home soil.

What Changes Might We See?

One confirmed change: a binational player is set to make his first call-up under Regragui this month. Salah-Eddine, whose nationality switch had been underway, now appears to be included.

This is meaningful for two reasons: it reinforces Regragui’s willingness to open the door to players from diaspora or dual-nation backgrounds, and it shows the national team is still evolving.

Beyond that, we should watch for:

Returns from injury or form: Regragui may bring back players who were sidelined.
Experimentation in midfield or defensive roles, especially among local Botola rosters.
A balancing act between stars and newcomers, players who can perform now but also contribute into AFCON.

Signal for AFCON 2025 Ambitions

Because Morocco will host AFCON 2025, every selection now has more significance. The October list is not merely about the next two games, it’s a first glimpse at the core group Regragui might rely on in the tournament. A strong showing in October could cement a player’s place; a shaky performance might push them to the fringes.

If Regragui includes tactical flexibility (e.g. wing backs who can invert, midfielders with both defensive and forward capacity), it may hint at his intended formation for AFCON.

Challenges He Faces

Selecting a squad now is not simply about picking the best 23–26 players. Regragui must juggle:

Form vs. reputation: Some established stars may be less consistent.
Club vs. country demands: European clubs may be reluctant to let go of players.
Chemistry and balance: Ensuring defense, midfield, and attack operate in harmony.
Expectations and pressure: Being in a host nation increases scrutiny, fans will expect ambition.

If the list does not match expectations, Regragui will face tough questions, but if it showcases boldness and strategic thinking, it could strengthen his position.

What to Watch in the Announcement

When the list is made public, here’s what fans and analysts should immediately look for:

Which newcomers are included, especially the binational Salah-Eddine.
Who returns from injury, and who is missing.
The balance of domestic league players vs. those abroad.
Clues in positional depth: how many defenders, midfielders, attackers.
How the coach speaks about tactical intentions, his justification of choices can reveal his thinking for AFCON.

Setting the Tone for AFCON 2025

Regragui’s October squad will set the tone for what comes next. It’s an opportunity to test ideas, reward performance, send messages, and build unity. But if the list is too conservative, it may be read as safe; if it’s too aggressive, it could carry risk.

In either case, the announcement will be more than a list of names. It will be a statement about ambition, identity, and the route via which Morocco aims to win at home in AFCON 2025.

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