Walid Regragui has stepped down as head coach of the Morocco national football team just three months before the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Morocco has confirmed Mohamed Ouahbi as their new head coach following Regragui’s resignation on Thursday. The decision ends weeks of speculation about his future, with the outgoing coach citing the need for “a new vision and a different energy.”
Regragui Explains His Decision
Regragui said at a late-night press conference:
“I sincerely believe the team needs a new vision to be able to progress. My decision to leave is for the better of the team,”
He guided Morocco to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African team to reach that stage. He also led the team to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, where Morocco lost 1–0 to the Senegal national football team.
Mohamed Ouahbi Takes Charge
Ouahbi, 49, has been promoted from Morocco’s under-23 side. He previously coached the nation’s under-20 team to a World Cup triumph in Chile last year.
Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, described the appointment as part of “a structured roadmap” to ensure the continuous development of Moroccan football.
Regragui’s Record in Charge
Regragui leaves with a record of 36 wins, eight draws and five losses in 49 matches. During his tenure, Morocco also set a world record for the most successive wins by a national team, 19 victories between June 2024 and December.
World Cup Preparations Continue
Morocco will play friendly matches against the Ecuador national football team on March 27 in Madrid and the Paraguay national football team on March 31 in Lens as preparation for the World Cup.
They have been drawn in Group C alongside the Brazil national football team, the Scotland national football team, and the Haiti national football team.
Captain Achraf Hakimi praised Regragui on X, writing:
“Your leadership, passion and vision inspired not only the players but an entire country and millions of fans around the world.”
Leave a comment