Morocco are searching for a new head coach just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the immediate resignation of Walid Regragui.
The man who led the Atlas Lions to a historic World Cup semi-final in 2022 has called time on his tenure after failing to secure the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title on home soil.
Despite a spirited run to the 2025 final, Morocco fell at the final hurdle, losing the trophy to Senegal.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is expected to hold a press conference to formally address the departure and outline a roadmap for the upcoming global tournament in North America.
Regragui’s decision creates an unexpected leadership vacuum at a critical juncture. Morocco face a daunting task this summer, having been drawn into a challenging World Cup group alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.
With preparations for the tournament already gathering pace, the federation has moved quickly to identify a successor.
Mohamed Ouahbi has emerged as the frontrunner to take the reins, with sources suggesting he is the preferred candidate to maintain the team’s momentum.
Regragui’s legacy remains firmly etched in Moroccan sporting history. He became a national icon after guiding the North African side to a fourth-place finish at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the best-ever performance by an African nation.
However, the pressure of delivering a continental title in front of a home crowd proved immense.
While he successfully navigated the Atlas Lions to the 2025 AFCON final, the defeat to Senegal ultimately signalled the end of his era.
The immediate priority for the FRMF is to stabilise the squad. Players and fans alike will be looking for clarity during tonight’s official announcement, which is expected to confirm whether Ouahbi will lead the team into their opening fixtures.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, all eyes remain on Rabat to see how quickly the “giant-killers” of world football can rebuild.
