Morocco coach Walid Regragui quits months before 2026 World Cup

• Walid Regragui steps down less than 100 days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• Mohamed Ouahbi appointed as successor after success with Morocco’s youth teams
• Morocco will face Brazil national football team, Haiti national football team and Scotland national football team in the tournament group stage

Walid Regragui has stepped down as Morocco’s national team coach less than 100 days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming his decision during a late-night news conference in Rabat on Thursday.

The 50-year-old announced his departure alongside Fouzi Lekjaa, who attended the conference as the country’s football federation paid tribute to the departing coach.

“The team needs a fresh face, a different energy, and a new perspective with a new coach,” Regragui said. “I think the team needs a new lease of life before the World Cup, a new vision to continue progressing. My decision to leave is part of this team’s evolution.”

Regragui guided Morocco to a historic semifinal run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four of the tournament. However, he faced criticism after Morocco failed to win the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, losing 1-0 to the Senegal national football team in the final despite hosting the competition.

Lekjaa confirmed that Mohamed Ouahbi will take over as head coach. Ouahbi recently led Morocco’s under-20 side to the Youth World Cup title and previously worked with the country’s under-23 team. Much of his earlier career was spent coaching youth teams at R.S.C. Anderlecht.

“I’m not here to build, because the foundations are already in place. I’m here to keep performing,” Ouahbi said.

Ouahbi also confirmed that João Sacramento will join his staff as assistant coach. Sacramento previously worked at Paris Saint-Germain and served under José Mourinho at both AS Roma and Tottenham Hotspur.

Regragui, a former defender who played for Racing Santander, was appointed Morocco coach in 2022. His future had been the subject of speculation following the Africa Cup of Nations disappointment, with the federation previously denying reports that he would leave the role.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi paid tribute to the departing coach on social media, describing him as a “legend.”

“Your leadership, passion, and vision inspired not only the players, but also an entire country and millions of fans around the world,” Hakimi wrote. “You left an unforgettable mark on the history of Moroccan football.”

Morocco continues to invest heavily in football infrastructure and is set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Plans include the construction of the Hassan II Stadium, which is expected to become the largest football stadium in the world with a capacity of 115,000.

Before the World Cup begins in June across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Morocco will play warm-up matches against the Ecuador national football team and the Paraguay national football team later this month.

The Atlas Lions have been drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti and Scotland as they prepare for their next World Cup campaign.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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