Morocco federation in talks as Walid Regragui speculation intensifies

A month after Morocco’s defeat to Senegal national football team in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, uncertainty continues to surround the future of Atlas Lions coach Walid Regragui, with the 2026 World Cup now only months away.

The 1-0 extra-time loss in a tournament played on home soil has intensified scrutiny of Regragui’s position.

Reports in early February from Foot Mercato and RMC Sport claimed the coach had resigned following the campaign.

Days earlier, L’Équipe reported that the 2022 World Cup semi-finalist was questioning his ability to revive a squad he feared might be psychologically affected by the defeat.

Separate rumours linked him with approaches from club football, including speculation about interest connected to Olympique de Marseille and offers from Saudi Arabia.

Morocco’s football authorities have publicly pushed back against the resignation claims. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation issued a swift denial, signalling that discussions with the coach remain ongoing.

While some reports suggest negotiations over a possible exit are taking place, the situation is described as unresolved, with financial considerations among the obstacles.

Attention has also turned to potential successors should Regragui depart. The federation has previously changed coaches close to a major tournament, notably when he replaced Vahid Halilhodžić before the 2022 World Cup.

Domestic candidates mentioned include Tarik Sektioui, who recently guided Morocco to CHAN and Arab Cup success, and youth coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

Other high-profile names have circulated in speculation, including Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernández, Laurent Blanc and Gareth Southgate, though these links are widely viewed as unsubstantiated.

On the pitch, critics have questioned Regragui’s tactical flexibility. Morocco ended the tournament without scoring in their final 240 minutes, and observers argue the coach struggled to influence games through substitutions.

Debate has also centred on squad hierarchy, with some pointing to the continued presence of senior figures such as Achraf Hakimi during difficult moments.

A run of injuries during and after the tournament has further fuelled discussion about squad rotation and depth.

Whether Regragui is prepared to adjust his approach may prove decisive. Suggestions include reshaping his backroom staff — with assistants such as Rachid Benmahmoud and Abdel Bouhazama mentioned — and integrating younger talent.

Youth prospects like Othmane Maamma and Yassir Zabiri have been highlighted as examples of a potential generational refresh.

Comparisons have been drawn with pathways seen in the Argentina national football team and Senegal, where youth players have transitioned into senior roles.

With time short before the World Cup, Morocco face a defining decision: whether to persist with the coach who delivered a historic semi-final run in 2022 or pursue a reset aimed at restoring momentum.