Rabat, Morocco – March 6, 2026
In a stunning late-night development, Walid Regragui has stepped down as head coach of Morocco's national team, ending a transformative era for the Atlas Lions less than 100 days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Regragui confirmed his resignation during an emotional press conference in Rabat on Thursday evening (March 5), attended by Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) president Fouzi Lekjaa. The event served as both a farewell and a tribute to the coach who elevated Moroccan football to unprecedented heights.
"I sincerely believe the team needs a new vision and different energy to continue progressing," Regragui said. "My decision to leave is for the better of the team and its evolution. I think the team needs a new lease of life before the World Cup."
The 49-year-old, who took charge in August 2022—just months before the Qatar World Cup—leaves with an impressive record: 49 matches, 36 wins, 8 draws, and 5 losses. His crowning achievement was guiding Morocco to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, becoming the first African (and Arab) nation to reach that stage. The team also reached the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, though they fell short in a controversial extra-time defeat to Senegal.
Despite the historic successes—including Morocco's highest-ever FIFA ranking of No. 8—Regragui cited exhaustion and the need for fresh guidance amid mounting pressures. Reports indicate the move followed weeks of speculation, internal discussions, and earlier denials from the FRMF. The coach had reportedly promised to step aside if the AFCON title eluded him, and post-tournament tensions, including squad controversies and public scrutiny, accelerated the process.
In a seamless but high-risk transition, the FRMF immediately appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as Regragui's successor. The 49-year-old Belgian-Moroccan tactician steps up from his role with the U23 and U20 sides, where he achieved major success by leading Morocco to the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup title in Chile—the first for an African nation in that competition.
Ouahbi's appointment mirrors Regragui's own rapid rise in 2022 and prioritizes continuity: familiarity with the existing system, youth integration, and cost-effectiveness over a high-profile foreign hire. Reports suggest assistants will include Portuguese tactician João Sacramento (formerly with PSG, Roma, and Tottenham) and former Morocco international Youssouf Hadji.
The move comes with significant risks. Ouahbi has no prior senior-level experience, and the timeline is brutal: Morocco must quickly prepare for upcoming friendlies, finalize their squad, and maintain momentum in a challenging World Cup group. Regragui's defensive solidity and counter-attacking style turned Morocco into a global force—can the new coach replicate it under such pressure?
Player reactions poured in quickly, with many expressing gratitude to Regragui for "changing Moroccan football forever." Tributes highlighted his legacy: elevating the Atlas Lions' profile, inspiring a generation, and proving African teams can compete at the highest level.
As the World Cup approaches (June 11–July 19), all eyes are on whether Ouahbi can harness the squad's talent—stars like Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, and Sofyan Amrabat—and deliver another deep run. For now, Morocco enters a new chapter: one of uncertainty, but also immense potential.
The FRMF's swift decision signals confidence in internal solutions. Whether it pays off will define Morocco's 2026 campaign—and perhaps the future of African football on the world stage.
Sources: ESPN, Reuters, BBC Sport, AP News, L'Équipe, FRMF official statements, and player tributes via social media.
"I sincerely believe the team needs a new vision and different energy to continue progressing," Regragui said. "My decision to leave is for the better of the team and its evolution. I think the team needs a new lease of life before the World Cup."
The 49-year-old, who took charge in August 2022—just months before the Qatar World Cup—leaves with an impressive record: 49 matches, 36 wins, 8 draws, and 5 losses. His crowning achievement was guiding Morocco to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, becoming the first African (and Arab) nation to reach that stage. The team also reached the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, though they fell short in a controversial extra-time defeat to Senegal.
Despite the historic successes—including Morocco's highest-ever FIFA ranking of No. 8—Regragui cited exhaustion and the need for fresh guidance amid mounting pressures. Reports indicate the move followed weeks of speculation, internal discussions, and earlier denials from the FRMF. The coach had reportedly promised to step aside if the AFCON title eluded him, and post-tournament tensions, including squad controversies and public scrutiny, accelerated the process.
In a seamless but high-risk transition, the FRMF immediately appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as Regragui's successor. The 49-year-old Belgian-Moroccan tactician steps up from his role with the U23 and U20 sides, where he achieved major success by leading Morocco to the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup title in Chile—the first for an African nation in that competition.
Ouahbi's appointment mirrors Regragui's own rapid rise in 2022 and prioritizes continuity: familiarity with the existing system, youth integration, and cost-effectiveness over a high-profile foreign hire. Reports suggest assistants will include Portuguese tactician João Sacramento (formerly with PSG, Roma, and Tottenham) and former Morocco international Youssouf Hadji.
The move comes with significant risks. Ouahbi has no prior senior-level experience, and the timeline is brutal: Morocco must quickly prepare for upcoming friendlies, finalize their squad, and maintain momentum in a challenging World Cup group. Regragui's defensive solidity and counter-attacking style turned Morocco into a global force—can the new coach replicate it under such pressure?
Player reactions poured in quickly, with many expressing gratitude to Regragui for "changing Moroccan football forever." Tributes highlighted his legacy: elevating the Atlas Lions' profile, inspiring a generation, and proving African teams can compete at the highest level.
As the World Cup approaches (June 11–July 19), all eyes are on whether Ouahbi can harness the squad's talent—stars like Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, and Sofyan Amrabat—and deliver another deep run. For now, Morocco enters a new chapter: one of uncertainty, but also immense potential.
The FRMF's swift decision signals confidence in internal solutions. Whether it pays off will define Morocco's 2026 campaign—and perhaps the future of African football on the world stage.
Sources: ESPN, Reuters, BBC Sport, AP News, L'Équipe, FRMF official statements, and player tributes via social media.