Morocco set to appoint Portuguese coach João Sacramento as Atlas Lions’ assistant coach

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is preparing to make significant changes to the Atlas Lions’ coaching staff, with Portuguese tactician João Sacramento expected to join as assistant coach.

This development follows reports that Walid Regragui has submitted his resignation, stepping down from his role as head coach of Morocco’s senior national team.

Mohamed Wahbi, who gained widespread recognition for guiding Morocco’s U-20 team to a historic World Cup triumph, is set to be appointed as Regragui’s successor.

Sources indicate that Wahbi himself recommended Sacramento for the assistant role, citing his extensive experience and tactical acumen.

The federation appears confident that this combination will bring a balance of youthful ambition and seasoned expertise to the national team’s technical setup.

At just 37, Sacramento brings a distinguished resume to the table. He has previously served as an assistant to high-profile coaches, including José Mourinho and Christophe Galtier, gaining exposure to top-level tactical planning and player management.

His appointment is viewed as a strategic move to bolster the coaching team, providing support to Wahbi as Morocco embarks on its preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Wahbi’s elevation to head coach is seen as part of a broader strategy by the Moroccan Football Federation to promote coaches who have demonstrated strong results at youth levels and can integrate international experience into the senior setup.

His leadership with the U-20 squad not only showcased his ability to develop young talent but also earned him the trust of the federation, which believes he is well-positioned to guide the Atlas Lions through upcoming international challenges.

With Sacramento’s tactical insight complementing Wahbi’s proven leadership, the federation hopes to establish a technical staff capable of blending innovative strategies with experience from European club football.

This alignment comes at a crucial time as Morocco intensifies its preparations for the World Cup, aiming to compete at the highest level and continue the momentum built by the country’s youth programs.

The partnership between Wahbi and Sacramento signals a forward-looking approach for Moroccan football, combining homegrown coaching talent with international expertise, in what many see as a decisive step toward ensuring the Atlas Lions are competitive on the world stage in 2026.