Already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Morocco’s national team travels to Zambia this Monday for a match that might not carry much weight in the standings—but certainly does in terms of preparation. The game kicks off at 2 p.m. local time in Morocco at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, part of the eighth round of African qualifiers.
While Morocco has nothing left to prove in this qualification campaign—sitting comfortably atop Group E with a perfect 18 points from six matches—head coach Walid Regragui isn’t treating this match as a formality. Instead, he sees it as a crucial opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place on home soil.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Regragui made it clear that fans shouldn’t expect to see the same starting eleven that faced Niger. He intends to rotate his squad significantly, giving playing time to a broader group of players. His objective is to evaluate potential selections before finalizing the roster for the upcoming continental tournament. He also acknowledged the strategic nature of facing Zambia now, given that both teams will be in the same group at the next AFCON. In his words, it’s a “good test” that allows Morocco to measure itself without revealing too much of its tactical playbook.
Still, despite the changes in lineup and the lack of qualifying pressure, Regragui emphasized that the team’s mindset remains unchanged: they play to win. Maintaining a positive rhythm is critical, especially as Morocco continues building momentum ahead of next year’s challenges. Playing away from home also offers a valuable chance to see how players perform under pressure, far from familiar surroundings.
Fans looking to watch the game can tune in live on Morocco’s Arryadia channel. Depending on the region, streaming options will also be available on L’Équipe Live Foot, beIN Sports MENA, and FIFA+.
With their World Cup ticket already punched, Morocco is set for its seventh appearance at the global tournament—and its third in a row following 2018 and 2022. As the team continues to evolve under Regragui’s leadership, every match, even one that doesn’t affect the standings, plays a part in shaping a squad ready for the spotlight on both the African and world stages.
